Security tightened for Rath Yatra in Odisha

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-05-12 18:55:10 | Last Updated by NewAdmin on 2026-09-26 09:44:01

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Rath Yatra is one of the oldest Hindu festivals marked by the grand chariot procession of deities in the sacred town of Puri in Odisha. In 2025, the Yatra is scheduled to begin on Friday (June 27). This grand festival honours Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra as they journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

Key dates and rituals of Puri Rath Yatra 2025

• Snana Purnima (Ceremonial Bath Ceremony): June 12
• Anavasara (Seclusion Period): June 13-26
• Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleanup): June 26
• Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession): June 27
• Hera Panchami: July 1
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 4
• Suna Besha: July 5
• Niladri Bijay - July 5

Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Security on high alert

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday (June 22) conducted a review meeting on security-related preparations and asked officials to make the Rath Yatra completely incident-free.

Sensitive locations, such as the Grand Road, will be under aerial surveillance by drones, CCTVs and the Coast Guard. The chief minister said that the government is putting in place foolproof security and safety mechanisms to ensure the annual festival remains "incident-free".

During the meeting, CM Majhi said, "Our first and only aim is to ensure an incident-free Rath Yatra event. As I was informed by the officials, all the necessary measures needed for an incident-free event have been implemented."

The chief minister said that the state government has deployed coast guards at sea and has also called in security forces. Artificial intelligence and drone cameras will be used for surveillance. Helicopters will also be used if required. The authorities have also taken several steps for fire safety measures and to control traffic.

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