Daijiworld Media Network- Puri
Puri, Jun 26: As the holy city of Puri prepares to witness the grand annual Rath Yatra on June 27, Odisha police and security agencies have launched extensive preparations to manage the anticipated sea of devotees expected to descend upon the temple town for one of Hinduism's most celebrated festivals.
With traffic regulation and crowd management being of paramount importance, the state police have chalked out a multi-layered strategy. Additional Director General (ADG) of Traffic, Dayal Gangwar, shared that 21 designated parking spots have been arranged across the city to accommodate incoming vehicles. In addition, five 'holding areas' will be established to control and manage crowd overflow during peak hours. The major parking hubs have been strategically located at three key points to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimal congestion.
Harnessing technology to enhance the pilgrim experience, the police plan to integrate mobile applications that will provide real-time updates and directions to visitors. ADG Gangwar confirmed that these digital tools will continue to be used this year, offering greater accessibility and on-the-ground assistance to devotees.
The famed Rath Yatra celebrates the annual journey of the Holy Trinity — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — as they are ceremonially drawn in three elaborately crafted wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away. The deities reside there for a week before returning in a similar procession.
In anticipation of potential emergencies, a comprehensive mock drill involving multiple security and emergency response agencies was recently conducted in front of the Jagannath Temple at Dharamshala. Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal confirmed that 11 different agencies took part in the anti-terror preparedness drill, aimed at ensuring a coordinated and effective response mechanism during the grand procession.
The spiritual fervour has already begun in Puri, with thousands participating in the Snana Purnima celebrations on June 11. On this auspicious day, the three deities were ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water, marking the beginning of the ritualistic journey toward Rath Yatra.
As lakhs of devotees from across the country and the world gear up to witness the divine spectacle, Odisha police, armed with modern tools and traditional vigilance, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful, safe, and spiritually uplifting experience for all.