Bhubaneswar: Puri, the spiritual heart of Odisha, is witnessing a massive gathering of devotees on Friday as the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra begins with great fervour. The sacred chariot festival, one of the world’s oldest and most revered, marks the symbolic journey of Lord Jagannath, along with siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from their temple abode to the Gundicha Temple, 3 km away.

Celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of the waxing moon in the Hindu lunar month, the Rath Yatra is steeped in tradition and draws millions from across India and abroad. The deities will travel in three elaborate wooden chariots: Nandighosh, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan, pulled by enthusiastic devotees in a display of devotion and unity.

“The Rath Yatra is the most ancient chariot festival in the world... It is believed that having darshan of Lord Jagannath during this Yatra grants a devotee moksha (liberation),” said Jagannath culture scholar Suryanarayan Rath Sharma.

Security and infrastructure in place

To ensure a safe and smooth Yatra, the Odisha government has rolled out extensive preparations. A five-layer security system is in place, including:

  • 200 platoons of state police
  • 8 companies from central forces like the BSF and CRPF and
  • Around 10,000 personnel including Home Guards.

For the first time, an integrated command and control center is monitoring the event through 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras, covering key locations from Uttara Square to Puri town and Puri to Konark.

“We are fully prepared for the grand Rathayatra. All rituals and arrangements have been meticulously planned and will be carried out with equal dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration,” said Puri District Collector Sidharth Shankar Swain.

Nine days of divine celebration

The Rath Yatra marks the beginning of a nine-day celebration, during which the deities reside at Gundicha Temple before returning in a similar procession known as Bahuda Yatra.

(with IANS inputs)