Today, the revered Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commences in Puri, Odisha, drawing millions of devotees worldwide. The festival celebrates the grand union of devotees and God, with Shriji leaving the Ratna Sanshana and descending to Baddanda.
Schedule of Events
- Mangala Neeti: Completed at 6 am
- Mailam Neeti: Completed at 6:20 am
- Tadap and Rosha Homa: Performed at 6:30 am
- Abakash: Performed at 7 am
- Surya Puja: Performed at 7:10 am
- Portapal Puja and Besha: Completed by 7:30 am
- Khechudi Bhog: Performed at 8 am
- Rath Inauguration: 9 am
- Mangalarpaan: Performed at 9:15 am
- Pahandi: Begins at 9:30 am and ends at 12:30 pm
- Chariot Procession: Begins at 4 pm
Security Arrangements
The Odisha government has implemented extensive security measures to ensure a safe and peaceful experience for devotees. These include:
- 10,000 Police Personnel: Deployed for security and crowd control
- NSG Snipers: Stationed for added security
- 275 AI-Enabled CCTV Cameras: Monitoring the crowd and traffic
- Integrated Command Control Room: Set up at Puri Town Police Station for real-time monitoring
- Anti-Drone Technology: Deployed for aerial surveillance
- Dog Squad and Anti-Terrorist Squad: Present for added security
Traffic Advisory
To manage the massive crowd, the Puri Police have issued a traffic advisory, recommending designated routes and parking areas. Devotees are advised to follow the instructions and cooperate with the police and volunteers to ensure a smooth and safe experience.