Latest news with #PuriRathYatra
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Puri Rath Yatra 2025: From Multi-Layered Security To Special Trains, All You Need To Know
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: The rituals and their significance The King of Puri sweeps the chariots, symbolising equality before God, in a ritual known as Chhera Pahanra. Devotees pull the enormous wooden chariots through the streets of Puri, showcasing their devotion and spiritual connection. The festival celebrates the divine journey of the deities and promotes unity, love, and spiritual growth among devotees. 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. Special trains for Puri Rath Yatra 2025 The East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced that 365 special trains will run to and from Puri, in addition to other regular trains, during the festival period. In a statement, the ECoR said these special trains are planned to run from various parts of the state, including Rourkela, Biramitrapur, Bangiriposi, Junagarh Road, Badampahar, Boudh, Jagdalpur, Baleswar, Angul, Gunupur, Rayagada and other places. Special trains will also operate to and from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Gondia in Chhattisgarh and Santragachi in West Bengal, on the main days of the car festival, it said. "This comprehensive rail connectivity will not only cater to the massive surge of pilgrims during the festival but also significantly ease travel for people in remote and interior districts," the ECor said in the statement.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
18 years of vibrant tradition & devotion at RCM Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Rath Yatra at RCM Jagannath Temple has become a cherished tradition with a vibrant celebration that draws over 40,000 devotees every year. Since its inception in 2007, following the inauguration of the main temple, the chariot festival has become a significant event for the local community and beyond, as thousands gather to witness the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Each year, as the deities emerge from their sanctum sanctorum, the air is filled with a palpable sense of devotion and reverence. The idols, crafted from the same wood and of similar size as those used in the Puri Jagannath Temple, hold immense significance for devotees, creating a spiritual connection. The origins of the RCM Jagannath Temple and its Rath Yatra are steeped in a fascinating tale. It all began with Prabir Pal, chairman of the temple trust, who was inspired by a mysterious meeting. An unidentified person urged him to establish the temple, akin to the Puri shrine. Sceptical yet intrigued, Pal visited the Puri temple, seeking a sign. To his astonishment, a servitor presented him with the 'agyan mala' of the deities, a gesture that solidified his resolve to build the temple. "With the blessings of the Lord and support of the Jagannath community in Puri, we successfully established our temple. Since then, we are organising the Rath Yatra and performing all rituals," said Pal, who performs the 'Chhera Pahanra' during the RCM Rath Yatra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lexi Gaming Unleash Your Power. Dominate the Game. Lexi Gaming! Lexigaming Read More Undo Ranjan Mohanty, manager of the temple trust, said Pal, dressed as Gajapati, sweeps the chariot with a golden broom on Rath Yatra day. "We follow the same traditions which are followed during Puri Rath Yatra," he said. The festival is a spectacle to behold, featuring a 26-ft high chariot crafted by skilled carpenters from Begunia, a village renowned for its artisans. The chariot carries the deities to the Sri Gundicha Temple, located about 1.5km from the main temple, amid a sea of devotees. A unique aspect of the Rath Yatra is the enthusiastic participation of thousands of tribals from nearby areas. Dressed in their traditional attire, they perform Dhemsa dance, and drink Handia, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the festival. Sarada Prasad Mishra, chief priest of the temple, said the rituals during Rath Yatra are meticulously observed. He said the deities, currently in Anasara Gruha, will undergo specific rituals before embarking on their journey. "We apply 'fuluri tel' and administer 'dasamularistha' to cure their fever before Rath Yatra. Both medicines are meticulously prepared following the steps prescribed in scriptures," Mishra said.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vizag city gears up to celebrate Rath Yatra
Visakhapatnam: Symbolising the confluence of Indian culture, Vizag city is preparing to celebrate the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in the style of Puri Rath Yatra on June 27 (Friday) at several locations throughout the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The authorities of the 185-year-old Lord Sri Jagannath Swamy Temple at the old-Town area in Vizag city, along with Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj and a few other organisations—UCA at Ukkunagaram, the township of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Visakhapatnam, will mark Rath Yatra in a grand fashion. The Lord Jagannath Swamy Temple in Vizag, which has stood for 185 years, will celebrate observe the festival of carrying the deities in a unique chariot. Apart from dignitaries, and prominent citizens, more than 12,000 devotees are expected to participate in the Rath Yatra celebration which would begin at Town Kotharoad and conclude at Turner's Choultry. Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj, a leading socio-cultural organisation of Odias in Vizag city, will start the celebrations on June 27 with the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath and his deity siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra will be taken in a colourful procession to Sri Gundicha temple at Lawsons Bay Colony, with further celebrations planned for later. The deities will have sojourn at Sri Gundicha temple for nine days and then, return to the main temple in a procession called Bahuda Yatra on July 4. On the day of Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Jagannath Swami temples throughout the city. Amid the sounds of conchs, and religious chants, the deities will be carried in their chariots to their aunt's house. Vizag city police will give special attention during the car festival to prevent any possibilty of stampede situation. The cops will impose certain traffic restrictions on June 27.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Road blocked in Puri after patient's death in pvt hospital
Bhubaneswar: Death of a 31-year-old woman during treatment at a private hospital in Puri triggered tension with her relatives blocking the road near Atharanala for about an hour on Sunday. Senior officials, including DGP Y B Khurania and district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, had to intervene to clear the road blockade minutes before the arrival of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to review Puri Rath Yatra arrangements. "An investigation is being conducted by the chief district medical officer into the allegation of medical negligence by the deceased's family members," collector Swain
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
NSG snipers, choppers to keep eagle eye on Puri Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: State govt plans to deploy NSG snipers and aerial surveillance by the Indian Air Force for the security of Puri Rath Yatra on June 27, said chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday after chairing a final preparatory meeting for the annual festival. In light of national security concerns post-Operation Sindoor, the state govt has prioritised ensuring an "incident-free" Rath Yatra. Official sources said a five-tier security system, comprising over 10,000 police personnel, central forces, more than 200 platoons of state forces and an anti-terrorist squad, has been put in place for peaceful conduct of the festival. "Govt is taking measures to prevent terror activities in the wake of Operation Sindoor. Rooftop deployment of NSG snipers on Grand Road and aerial patrol through helicopters to prevent potential airborne threats are under active consideration of the state govt. Our prime objective is to ensure an incident-free festival," Majhi said. The CM said the govt plans to implement its security strategy through extensive police deployment, supported by AI-powered surveillance systems. "AI-enabled cameras and drones will be used for security, crowd control and traffic management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Foz Do Iguaçu (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Police have been instructed to take adequate steps to prevent stampede-like situations and rumour-mongering," the CM said. Police were instructed to identify potential stampede-prone areas and implement stringent preventive measures. The fire service directorate received strict instructions to maintain vigilance, while a ban was placed on diya sales and outdoor cooking in crowded areas. The CM emphasised that Rath Yatra symbolises Odisha's cultural heritage, connecting millions emotionally. "Managing the festival should be viewed not merely as an administrative duty, but as a sacred obligation and responsibility," Majhi said. Considering recent outbreaks of cholera and diarrhoea in certain districts, the health department and associated authorities were directed to maintain heightened alert throughout the festival period. Saying that Puri Rath Yatra will be watched by devotees from across the globe, Majhi urged officials across departments to collaborate effectively, ensuring smooth conduct of the festival. The CM stressed the importance of timely and disciplined ritual performance, requesting complete cooperation from the sevayat (servitors) community.
