Rath Yatra: Odisha CM reviews Bahuda Yatra preparations, stresses crowd management
Bhubaneswar, July 22
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed officials to emphasise effective crowd management and seamless information flow during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and other deities to the Shree Jagannath Temple, scheduled to be held on July 24 in Puri.
Bahuda Yatra is one of the most significant events of the annual Rath Yatra festival, during which lakhs of devotees pull the chariots of the sibling deities from the Gundicha Temple back to the 12th-century shrine on the ninth day of the world-famous festival in Puri.
The Chief Minister issued the directions while reviewing preparations for the Bahuda Yatra at a high-level meeting here on Wednesday. CM Majhi also appealed to devotees and pilgrims to follow the guidelines issued by the police and district administration.
According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), during the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that all rituals associated with the annual Rath Yatra festival have so far been conducted smoothly. Despite incessant rainfall, adverse weather conditions, heat and humidity, the dedication and commitment of officials, employees, volunteers and devotees remained unaffected.
Majhi lauded the sincerity and devotion of the servitors (sevayats) and thanked them for their invaluable service. He also appreciated the coordinated team effort of all government officials and staff engaged in the management of the festival. The Chief Minister was informed that the district administration and police have been maintaining constant vigil in Puri and are regularly monitoring all arrangements.
Senior officials have remained present during key events, including the Pahandi ritual, chariot pulling, Dakshini Moda and Adapa Mandap darshan, to oversee the smooth conduct of all the rituals.
CM Majhi instructed officials to accord greater priority to crowd management and continuous information flow during the festival. He stressed the need for scientific monitoring of crowd density and said that real-time inputs from CCTV cameras should be integrated through the Integrated Command and Control Centre and immediately relayed to personnel at locations experiencing congestion, enabling prompt intervention.
With the Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije rituals still to be held, he directed officials to pay special focus to ensure that all rituals are conducted in a smooth, orderly and disciplined manner.
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee presented a detailed report on the management of the Rath Yatra. Director General of Police, Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Fire Services Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi and Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation) SK Priyadarshi briefed the meeting on the security arrangements and policing measures for the remaining events of the festival.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who has attended Bahuda Yatra in the past, I can say that the crowd during the return journey is even more intense than the first day. Devotees are eager to get a glimpse of the deities in their chariots. I just hope the administration ensures proper barricading and water facilities. In the scorching heat, dehydration is a real risk. Kudos to the Odisha police and staff for managing such a massive event.
It's good that the CM is focusing on crowd management, but I wish the state government would also pay attention to the infrastructure in Puri town. The roads around Jagannath Temple are always in a mess during festivals. Also, need better parking arrangements for the lakhs of pilgrims coming from outside. Hope this year's Bahuda Yatra is smooth 🙏
As an overseas devotee planning to attend Suna Besha this year, I appreciate the emphasis on 'scientific monitoring' and real-time data integration. It's impressive how the Odisha administration manages such an ancient festival with modern technology. Would like to see clearer signage in English for international visitors. Also, the police helpline numbers should be widely publicized.
Bahuda Yatra has a special place in my heart as my grandmother used to tell me stories about Suna Besha. The sight of Lord Jagannath wearing gold ornaments is divine! I just hope the sevayats and temple authorities ensure that the rituals are not rushed due to crowd pressure. The sanctity of the festival should be maintained even while managing the numbers.
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