Puri Braces for Enormous Crowds as Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival Approaches

Puri: Anticipating 2.5 million visitors, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), led by Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das, is preparing for the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. The festival, scheduled to begin on June 20, promises a smooth and remarkable experience for devotees.

On June 20, known as Sri Gundicha Day, approximately 1 million individuals will gather in Puri to actively participate in pulling the chariots during the festival. The Rath Yatra festival comprises several significant events, including Bahuda, Suna Bhesa, and Niladri Bije, with an estimated overall participation of 2.5 million people.

To address the hot and humid weather conditions in Puri, the administration is ensuring sufficient drinking water provisions and establishing special wards in Puri Hospital to cater to those affected by heat-related issues.

The administration has taken extensive measures to maintain law and order and manage the large crowds. A significant deployment of police personnel, including state and central government forces such as RAF, ODRAF, and NDRF, is in place. Additionally, a dedicated green corridor has been established to swiftly transfer patients from the festival grounds to the hospital.

Multiple government departments, including health, police, and urban development, are actively involved in making necessary arrangements for this grand event. Despite the festival’s sensitivity and magnitude, Chief Administrator Das expresses confidence in the smooth execution of the Rath Yatra, attributing it to the blessings of Lord Jagannath. The collaborative efforts of the Puri district administration, state government officials, and the divine support will undoubtedly contribute to a successful and cherished occasion.