Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator reviews Rath Yatra arrangements, urges devotees to follow guidelines
Puri, July 12
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Arabinda K Padhee on Saturday reviewed the preparations for the ongoing Rath Yatra arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple and Shree Gundicha Temple, stating that all necessary measures related to rituals, sanitation, security, crowd management, drinking water, lighting and other essential services are being closely monitored.
Padhee said the arrangements are being carried out in coordination with the temple administration and the district administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining events of the Rath Yatra.
Appealing to the lakhs of devotees visiting Puri from across the country and abroad, Padhee urged everyone to strictly follow the guidelines and advisories issued by the administration. He requested pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and volunteers, adhere to designated movement routes, and comply with crowd management measures to ensure their own safety and the smooth conduct of the festival.
"Our endeavour is to ensure that every devotee has a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience during the Rath Yatra and returns home with cherished memories of Lord Jagannath's divine festival," Padhee said.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, in coordination with the Odisha Government and district authorities, continues to oversee extensive arrangements as lakhs of devotees throng the holy city to witness one of the world's largest and most revered chariot festivals.
Earlier on Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure comprehensive security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination among all departments for the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and foolproof arrangements to facilitate devotees expected to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Officials informed the meeting that around 12,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed to oversee security and crowd management.
The review also noted that 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers have been installed as part of the festival arrangements.
The Chief Minister was further informed that dedicated facilities have been created at the Gundicha Temple for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure easier access during the festival.
CM Majhi directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are executed efficiently so that devotees can participate in the Rath Yatra safely and without inconvenience.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see proper planning but they should focus more on drinking water points. Last year my grandmother got dehydrated waiting in the queue for darshan. Also hope the designated routes are clearly marked - many first-time visitors get confused. Still, it's heartwarming to see lakhs of people coming together for Lord Jagannath 🙏
I appreciate the effort but 65 LED screens seem insufficient for a crowd of this size. Need more real-time updates on movement and waiting times. Also, what about mobile connectivity? With so many people, signals will be jammed - perhaps more temporary towers are needed. Anyway, looking forward to the divine experience! ❤️
One suggestion - please have separate entry gates for senior citizens and disabled persons. The article mentions dedicated facilities at Gundicha Temple but it should be clearer and more accessible. My uncle in wheelchair struggled last year. Overall, good coordination between temple administration and state government. Let's make this Rath Yatra safe and memorable for all!
Really impressed with the security arrangements - 19 senior IPS officers overseeing operations is a strong sign. The crowd management measures mentioned are crucial because of the massive turnout every year. I just hope the volunteers are properly trained to handle emergencies and guide people calmly. Jai Jagannath! ✨
The focus on sanitation with 1,700 bio-toilets is praiseworthy - cleanliness during such massive gatherings is often overlooked. But I'm concerned about the lighting arrangements. Many areas near the chariot route remain dark in previous years. Hope they've addressed that this time
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