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Key Points

Authorities in Puri are gearing up for the massive Jagannath Rath Yatra with a detailed traffic management plan. The police have designated 21 parking spots and holding areas to manage the expected crowds. Mobile apps will provide real-time updates to pilgrims for smoother navigation. The annual festival sees three grand chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through Puri’s streets.

Key Points: Puri Prepares Traffic Plan and Tech for Jagannath Rath Yatra

  • 21 parking spots set up for devotees
  • Mobile apps to provide real-time updates
  • Multi-agency mock drill conducted for security
  • Three chariots built for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra
2 min read

Arrangement made to control traffic during Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, apps will be used fo provide information

Puri authorities implement 21 parking spots, holding areas, and mobile apps for crowd control during the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra.

"We are making 21 parking spots and holding areas to manage the heavy crowd - ADG Traffic Dayal Gangwar"

Puri, June 26

Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri will commence on June 27, and preparations are underway. The ceremony will attract a large crowd, making traffic management a key issue.

Additional Director General (ADG) Traffic, Dayal Gangwar, talked about the preparation for the traffic control and said, "We are making 21 parking spots. At five places, we are making arrangements for a 'holding area', which accommodates people during heavy crowd. The parking spots are mainly made at 3 major places."

Technology is also being used to provide timely information. Gagwar said, "We will use apps this time, too...The people will receive more facilities."

Three gigantic chariots of the Holy Trinity - Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra is created for the annual car festival in Puri at the Puri Jagannath Temple.

During the festival, three deities - Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra - are drawn by devotees in three massive wooden chariots to Gundicha Temple, where they reside for a week and then return to the Jagannath temple.

Earlier, a multi-agency mock drill was conducted at Dharamshala in front of Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri to assess preparedness and coordination for any emergency.

Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Agarwal said that a multi-agency mock drill was conducted near the Shri Jagannath Temple to evaluate the readiness and coordination of security forces in handling emergencies. He further added that 11 agencies participated in the anti-terror intervention exercise.

On Wednesday, June 11, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, held the sacred bathing ritual on the occasion of Snana Purnima in Puri. The three deities were ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water. This ritual marks a significant lead-up to the grand Rath Yatra.

The Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals in Puri, Odisha. This festival takes place every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the months of June or July. The three chariots are built anew every year ahead of the annual chariot festival.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Prakash M.
Good to see the administration using technology for crowd management! The Rath Yatra is a massive event and proper planning is crucial. Hope the apps work smoothly and provide real-time updates to devotees. Jai Jagannath! 🙏
S
Sunita K.
While the arrangements sound impressive, I hope they've considered elderly devotees who may not be tech-savvy. Traditional announcement systems should also be kept as backup. The mock drills are a good initiative though!
R
Rajesh P.
The Rath Yatra is our pride! Every year lakhs of devotees gather in Puri with full devotion. The chariots look magnificent this year too. Hope the traffic arrangements help maintain the spiritual atmosphere without chaos.
A
Ananya S.
As someone who visited last year, I can say parking was a nightmare. 21 parking spots sound good, but is it enough for the crowd? Maybe they should arrange more shuttle services from nearby towns. The holding areas are a smart idea though.
V
Vikram J.
The security preparations seem thorough with 11 agencies involved. In today's times, we can't take any chances with such large gatherings. Kudos to the Odisha police for their proactive approach. May the Yatra pass peacefully!
M
Meena T.
The Snana Purnima rituals were so beautiful this year! The Rath Yatra is truly special - the way the entire city comes together in devotion. Hope the arrangements ensure everyone can participate safely. Maybe next year they can add more drinking water facilities too.

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