The annual Puri Rath Yatra, one of the oldest and most significant Hindu festivals, is set to commence on June 27, 2025. This grand event, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, celebrates Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Devi Subhadra, as they journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. As the date approaches, here's a comprehensive overview of the preparations, security measures, and special arrangements in place for the convenience and safety of the expected 1.5 million devotees.

Key Dates and Rituals

The Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival filled with various important rituals. The preparations begin well in advance, with the construction of the chariots starting on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025). Other key dates include:

• Snana Purnima (Ceremonial Bath Ceremony): June 12, 2025 - The deities are bathed with 108 pots of water sourced from a golden well, after which they are dressed like elephants in a tradition called 'Gaja Besha'.
• Anavasara (Seclusion Period): June 13-26, 2025 - The deities are kept in seclusion for 15 days following the Snana Purnima. The temple remains closed to the public during this time.
• Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleanup): June 26, 2025 - The Gundicha Temple is cleaned and prepared for the deities' arrival.
• Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession): June 27, 2025 - The main event, where the deities are carried in a grand procession on their chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
• Hera Panchami: July 1, 2025 - Goddess Lakshmi is said to visit the Gundicha Temple to search for Lord Jagannath.
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 4, 2025 - The deities begin their return journey to the Jagannath Temple.
• Suna Besha: July 5, 2025 - The deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
• Niladri Bijay: July 5, 2025 - The deities are ceremonially brought back into the Jagannath Temple, marking the end of the Rath Yatra.

Multi-Layered Security Arrangements

The Odisha Police has announced elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees during the Rath Yatra. A five-tier security setup will be implemented in Puri, incorporating advanced surveillance systems and robust emergency response mechanisms. Key features include:

• AI-Enabled CCTV Cameras: 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras will monitor key areas across the town, supported by an integrated control room for real-time crowd and traffic management.
• Police Personnel: Over 10,000 police personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRTs), will be deployed on the ground.
• Drone Surveillance: Drones will assist in traffic and crowd control, while anti-drone systems will counter aerial threats.
• Coastal Security: The Indian Coast Guard will be stationed along the Puri beach to secure the coastal belt, with joint patrolling by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Police's Marine Units.
• Special Forces: An Anti-Terrorist Squad, special armored vehicles (Rakshak), and HIT teams will be on standby to address any potential threats.

Special Trains and Transportation

To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced that 365 special trains will operate to and from Puri, in addition to the regular train services. These special trains will connect Puri to various parts of Odisha and neighboring states, including:

• Rourkela
• Biramitrapur
• Bangiriposi
• Junagarh Road
• Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
• Gondia (Chhattisgarh)
• Santragachi (West Bengal)

Special emphasis will be placed on major festival days, including Gundicha Yatra, Sandhya Darshan, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha, with dedicated services from remote and interior districts to ensure maximum accessibility for devotees. Additionally, over 230-250 extra buses will be deployed, with 18 designated parking zones and free auto-rickshaw services from the parking areas. Dedicated parking for tourist buses at Malatipatpur and passenger buses at Talabania during key events like Rath Yatra, Bahuda, and Sunabesha has also been planned.

Health and Safety Measures

The Odisha government is setting up 69 temporary health centers, deploying 64 ambulances, and arranging 265 exclusive hospital beds to tackle any emergency. As many as 378 additional doctors and paramedical staff will be on duty during the Yatra, while specialist doctors from AIIMS Bhubaneswar will also provide medical support. The administration will ensure the availability of clean drinking water and healthy food at all locations.

Other Preparations

The administration has prioritized uninterrupted power supply, clean drinking water, and sanitation. High-capacity pumps will be deployed at waterlogging-prone areas to manage monsoon challenges. The Chief Minister has urged devotees to participate in the Rath Yatra safely and comfortably and has directed the administration to ensure proper police deployment, traffic control measures, and fire safety systems are in place.

With these comprehensive preparations, the Puri Rath Yatra 2025 is set to be a grand and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees.