With stringent security protocols and alerts for heavy rainfall, the Grand Road in Puri is fully prepared for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. In light of the anticipated influx of millions of devotees and a red warning for 143.8 mm of rain issued by the meteorological department, the Odisha government has elevated security and management measures to a new level. The city has been transformed into a multi-layered security zone, encompassing land, air, and sea. This year's security arrangements prominently feature modern technology and strategies to tackle rain-related challenges. Let’s explore the special arrangements made to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of this historic festival:
According to Arbind Padhi, the chief administrator of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), all preparations are in place for the orderly conduct of the festival. The schedule for the Rath Yatra is as follows:
From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM: The process of bringing the deities out of the sanctum (Pahandi ritual) and placing them on the chariots.
Afternoon (estimated): The ceremonial cleaning of the chariot (Chhera Pahanra ritual) will be performed traditionally by the nominal king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja, followed by a visit from the Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati.
At 4:00 PM: The main event will commence as millions of devotees begin to pull the sacred chariots while chanting 'Jai Jagannath'.
Regarding the security arrangements for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Battula Gangadhar stated, "An Integrated Command and Control Center has been established. We have implemented a CCTV surveillance system across the city to monitor traffic and crowd movement, covering all critical and sensitive areas. We are also utilizing AI analytics and facial recognition systems (FRS)."
This system aids in better management, ensuring smooth traffic flow and effective crowd monitoring and control. It incorporates machine learning, meaning that the data collected and the capabilities of AI analytics will become stronger and more effective over time. This will help us identify where people are coming from, which is crucial for managing traffic jams during the Rath Yatra and also assists in identifying potential suspects...
Notably, just before the famous annual Rath Yatra, the temple city of Puri experienced a significant rainfall of 143.8 mm. The meteorological department has issued a red warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms, prompting preparations to handle the downpour on Thursday.
Special arrangements have been made to drain rainwater from the Grand Road to facilitate the procession. Devotees will pull the chariots approximately 2.6 km to the Sri Gundicha Temple from the 12th-century temple. Collector DJ Parida mentioned that pumps are being used to remove water. A senior official from SJTA confirmed that the three wooden chariots—Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, Darpadalana for Subhadra, and Nandighosha for Jagannath—have been transported to the main gate of the Jagannath Temple for the procession.
Arbind Padhi, the chief administrator of SJTA, informed reporters on Wednesday that the administration is prepared for the annual Rath Yatra scheduled for Thursday. This involves the Central Armed Police, the Indian Navy, and the Coast Guard, along with various departments.
He met with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati to brief him on the preparations made by the temple administration for a smooth, safe, and organized festival. The SJTA has also invited the Governor to participate in the Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday.
ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar reported that 13,000 police personnel, 15 companies of Central Armed Forces, NSG commandos, and 500 lifeguards have already been deployed along the coast.
According to the schedule, the rituals for bringing the deities out of the temple and placing them on the chariots will occur between 9 AM and 1 PM. An official from the temple stated that after the traditional cleaning of the chariot by the Gajapati Maharaja and the arrival of Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, devotees will begin pulling the chariots at 4 PM.
Odisha Police Chief YB Khurania mentioned that a multi-layered security strategy has been implemented, including monitoring from land, water, and air. He stated, "We will focus on crowd control on the ground, traffic management, and emergency response, while drones and anti-drone devices will assist in aerial security." He further noted that quick response teams from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Police Maritime Station will patrol the beach. ADG Soumendra K. Priyadarshi emphasized that special measures have been taken to prevent stampedes, and anti-sabotage teams, bomb squads, and dog squads have also been deployed. Last year, a stampede during the Rath Yatra resulted in three fatalities.
He urged all officials to perform their duties not just as government employees but as dedicated servants of the Lord. Chief Minister Mohan Chara Majhi and several ministers are present in Puri to oversee the festival's organization.
