Is the World Famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra Happening Today?
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Synopsis
Join the millions of devotees gathering for the world-renowned Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, a vibrant celebration filled with spirituality and devotion. As Lord Jagannath, his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra embark on their journey, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. Discover the elaborate preparations and security measures in place for this grand Hindu festival.
Key Takeaways
- Rath Yatra is one of the oldest chariot festivals in the world.
- It attracts millions of devotees each year.
- The event is meticulously planned for both spiritual and safety aspects.
- Significant security arrangements are deployed for the festival.
- The journey spans approximately 3 km to the Gundicha Temple.
Bhubaneswar, June 27 (NationPress) A significant number of devotees have assembled at the Jagannath Temple in Puri for the highly anticipated Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath set to begin on Friday. The Jagannath Rath Yatra, often referred to as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, stands as a prominent Hindu festival celebrated each year in Odisha.
This celebration is marked on Dwitiya Tithi — the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the lunar month, a period deemed spiritually favorable due to the moon's increasing luminosity.
According to esteemed Jagannath culture expert, Suryanarayan Rath Sharma, in an interview with IANS, "The Rath Yatra is the oldest chariot festival known globally... It is believed that witnessing Lord Jagannath during this Yatra grants devotees moksha."
Millions of devotees have gathered for the illustrious Ratha Yatra, as Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is set to embark on a nine-day journey from their historical 12th-century shrine to the Gundicha Temple today.
Filled with joy, devotees will pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra — Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan respectively — for approximately 3 km towards the Gundicha Temple, which some legends consider to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Sudarshan).
The state government has made extensive arrangements to ensure a seamless and safe Rath Yatra.
“We are thoroughly prepared for this grand Rath Yatra. All rituals and arrangements have been carefully planned and will be executed with utmost dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration,” stated Sidharth Shankar Swain, Collector of Puri, on Thursday.
The sacred city of Puri has been secured with a five-tier security system for the nine-day-long Rath Yatra festival. Up to 200 platoons of police and eight companies from the Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed across the holy coastal town for this occasion.
In addition, approximately 10,000 personnel from the Odisha police, Central Armed Police Force, and Home Guard will be stationed in Puri and its vicinity during this year’s Rath Yatra.
Police officers will monitor traffic and crowd movements through a newly established integrated command-and-control system, utilizing live feeds from around 275 AI-enabled CCTVs installed from Uttara Square to Puri Town, and from Puri to Konark.
Point of View
The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra represents not only a significant religious event but also a cultural phenomenon that unites millions. With the meticulous arrangements and heightened security, the event reflects the authorities' commitment to ensuring a safe and joyous experience for all attendees. This festival serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and spiritual essence of India, particularly in Odisha.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually in Odisha, where Lord Jagannath and his siblings are taken in grand chariots from their temple to Gundicha Temple.
When does the Rath Yatra take place?
The Rath Yatra is celebrated annually on Dwitiya Tithi, which is the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the lunar month.
What is the significance of the Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra is believed to grant devotees moksha, or liberation, by allowing them to witness Lord Jagannath during this sacred procession.
How is the security arranged for the Rath Yatra?
Extensive security measures are in place, including 200 platoons of police and thousands of personnel from various forces to ensure safety during the festival.
What is the route taken during the Rath Yatra?
The chariots are pulled for approximately 3 km from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
