Puri, Odisha, is witnessing one of India’s largest religious celebrations as the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra begins with thousands of devotees gathering in the temple town despite heavy rainfall and unfavorable weather conditions. Nearly 200,000 pilgrims have already reached Puri to participate in the grand festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
During the historic procession, the three decorated chariots carrying the deities will travel along the Grand Road from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Shree Gundicha Temple, located around 2.6 kilometers away. The traditional journey is considered one of the most significant events in Odisha’s religious calendar and attracts devotees from across India and abroad.
The chariot pulling ceremony is scheduled to begin in the afternoon after important rituals, including the traditional sweeping of the chariots by Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb. The ceremony will also be followed by the participation of Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati. Earlier in the day, the idols will be ceremonially brought out of the temple and placed on their respective chariots.
The festival is taking place after Puri experienced heavy rainfall of nearly 143.8 mm before the event. The India Meteorological Department has predicted additional rain and thunderstorms, leading authorities to implement special preparations to avoid disruptions during the procession.
Officials have arranged drainage measures along the Grand Road, the main route of the chariots, to prevent water accumulation and ensure devotees can participate safely. Additional arrangements have also been made to manage the large crowds expected throughout the celebration.
Security has been significantly strengthened across Puri, with approximately 13,000 personnel from Odisha Police, central armed forces, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard deployed for crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response operations.
Authorities have taken extra precautions following a tragic incident during last year’s Rath Yatra, when three people lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede near the Gundicha Temple. A specialized security and crowd management plan has been prepared this year to prevent similar incidents and ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to remain a major symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, bringing together millions of devotees in a celebration marked by tradition, devotion, and community participation.
