Puri, (Odisha): The sacred city of Puri is brimming with devotion and excitement as preparations near completion for the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, scheduled for June 27. With just a few hours to go, lakhs of devotees from across India and overseas have begun pouring into the pilgrim town to witness the celestial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their majestic chariots.
The entire temple town has taken on a festive hue, with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) releasing the official schedule for the grand day. All rituals will unfold in a meticulously planned sequence from the early morning hours, culminating with the much-anticipated pulling of the chariots in the afternoon.
Complete Schedule of Rath Yatra Day (June 27):-
Mangala Alati: 6:00 AM
Mailam: 6:10 AM
Tadapa Lagi & Rosha Homa: 6:30 AM
Abakasha: 7:00 AM
Surya Puja: 7:10 AM
Dwarapala Puja & Besha Sesha: 7:30 AM
Gopala Ballabha & Sakala Dhupa: 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Rath Pratistha: 9:00 AM
Mangalarpana: 9:15 AM
Pahandi Procession Begins: 9:30 AM
Pahandi Ends: 12:30 PM
Arrival of Sri Madanmohan, Sri Ram, Sri Krushna: 12:30 PM–1:00 PM
Chitalagi & Besha Sesha: 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Chhera Pahanra (Sweeping Ceremony): 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Charamalaphita, Ghoda, Sarathi Setup: 4:00 PM
Chariot Pulling Commences: 4:00 PM
Nabajouban Darshan Draws Massive Crowds
A day ahead of the Rath Yatra, thousands gathered at the Shree Jagannath Temple for the sacred Nabajouban Darshan—the first appearance of the deities in their rejuvenated youthful form after a fortnight of isolation in the Anasara Ghara, the temple’s traditional recovery chamber. The overwhelming turnout reflected the intense spiritual connection that devotees feel for this annual ritual.
Agyan Mala Ritual: Divine Consent for the Journey
In another important pre-festival ritual, the Rath Agyan Mala ceremony was conducted on Thursday afternoon. Sacred garlands (Agyan Mala) were carried from the sanctum to the chariot yard, symbolizing divine approval for the deities’ journey to the Gundicha Temple. Following this, the three chariots—Nandighosh (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Debadalana (Subhadra)—were moved from the Ratha Khala to the Singhadwara (Lions’ Gate) in grand procession.
Security Arrangements at Their Peak
To ensure smooth conduct of the mega event, Odisha Police has deployed an unprecedented security cover with over 10,000 personnel including Central Armed Police Forces. State-of-the-art surveillance with 275+ AI-powered CCTV cameras, monitored round the clock from the Integrated Command and Control Room, is now active.
High-level security operations include rooftop snipers from the National Security Guard, anti-drone technology, bomb squads, and dog squads. Marine Police, Coast Guard, and Indian Navy are all on alert to secure the coastal zone. These multi-layered measures aim to ensure safety amid the expected influx of over 15 lakh devotees.
Tech for Devotees: Chatbot and Smart Traffic
In a bid to offer convenience to pilgrims, a real-time chatbot service has been launched. It will provide updates on parking spaces, travel routes, and available facilities. Traffic regulations came into force on Thursday, and several route diversions have been planned to manage the massive crowd.
The Festival Beyond Religion
The Rath Yatra isn’t merely a ritual; it’s a celebration of devotion, unity, and equality. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, come together to pull the chariots of the deities—symbolizing harmony and universal brotherhood.
As the city stands poised on the eve of this grand spiritual spectacle, every eye now turns towards the chariots lined up before the Lions’ Gate, ready to roll out on the sacred Bada Danda. With divine chants set to echo and rhythmic gongs to fill the air, Puri awaits the timeless journey of the Lord of the Universe.
