In Odisha, all arrangements for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan in the pilgrim town of Puri have reached the final stage. Last-minute touches are now being given for smooth conduct of the mega annual festival beginning from this Sunday. Given the convergence of key rituals like ‘Nabajaubana Darshan’, ‘Netra Utsav’ and the ‘Gundicha Yatra’ on Sunday, the Sri Jagannath Temple administration has called for collective cooperation from stakeholders to facilitate timely rituals and the successful culmination of the festival. 

 

With only one-day to go for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and the sibling deities in the holy coastal town of Puri in Odisha, all arrangements for the grand festival are in the final stages. The Odisha government has declared a two-day holiday in the state for the upcoming Rath Yatra on 7th and 8th of this month, marking a special occasion after 53 years when the Rath Yatra will be held for two-days. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to participate in this year’s Rath Yatra celebrations, along with Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and many other dignitaries. The administration is stressing on ensuring discipline during Rath Yatra, while steps are being taken to provide necessary amenities for women and resolving issues relating to VIP movement. It has been decided to stop anyone from entering the temple on the Rath Yatra day. The servitors of the lords have been requested not to make any crowd on the chariots to ensure proper darshan of the deities. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has announced the deployment of 315 special trains to facilitate the travel to Puri during the Rath Yatra festival.