Puri Prepares for Rath Yatra Amid Heavy Security and Rain Warnings

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: Puri: As the much-anticipated Rath Yatra approaches, the city of Puri in Odisha is gearing up for the grand festival with heightened security measures and caution due to heavy rainfall warnings. The Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania announced on Wednesday that Puri will be designated as a ‘no-flying zone’ from the commencement of the Rath Yatra until the conclusion of the Niladri Bije ritual of the sibling deities at the Shree Jagannath Temple. This restriction aims to ensure the safety and security of the thousands of devotees expected to participate in the festivities.

In addition to the no-fly zone, drone operations will be strictly prohibited, with the authorities promising strict actions against any violators. This decision reflects a growing concern about security in public gatherings, especially in light of recent events across the country that have raised awareness about potential threats during large-scale public celebrations.

On Wednesday, the iconic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were ceremonially moved from the traditional ‘Ratha Khala’ construction site to near the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwar) of the 12th-century shrine, marking an important step in the final preparations for the Rath Yatra. The three chariots—Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan—now stand on the Grand Road, surrounded by heavy security following the ‘Agnyamala’ ritual, which grants permission for the chariots to begin their journey. Sevayat Ramachandra Dasmohapatra expressed optimism about the auspicious conditions for the Rath Yatra, noting that the rituals are being carried out in accordance with tradition.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most significant religious events in India, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad. Devotees will pull the chariots approximately 3 kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, which is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the Chaturdha Murti. The pulling of the chariots is scheduled to begin around 4 PM on Thursday, following the ‘Chhera Pahanda’ ritual performed by the Gajapati Maharaja and other ceremonies, including the Pahandi Bije procession, which will commence between 9 and 9:30 AM.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), informed reporters that all preparations for the Rath Yatra have entered the final stage. He highlighted that the ‘Netrotsav’ and ‘Nava Yauvana Darshan’ rituals were conducted smoothly on Tuesday, allowing devotees to get their first glimpse of the deities after a 14-day period of isolation. Padhee assured that the district administration, police, and servitors are fully prepared for the Rath Yatra, emphasizing the importance of coordination among various stakeholders.

Puri Collector Divya Jyoti Parida remarked on the successful positioning of the chariots, attributing it to the collective efforts of servitors, police, and administrative officials. She stated that the priority now is to finalize ongoing preparations across different departments to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the festival. This collaborative approach is crucial in managing the logistical challenges that arise during such a large-scale event.

Prakash Mishra, Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister, reiterated that all necessary preparations have been made. He noted that the last ritual held outside the temple has concluded and expressed hope that all subsequent rituals will be conducted on time, allowing for a smooth commencement of the chariot pulling. Mishra also highlighted the lessons learned from last year's event, indicating that security arrangements have been fortified to address any shortcomings encountered previously.

A comprehensive multi-layered security blueprint has been established, covering land, water, and air. Approximately 12,000 to 13,000 police personnel, along with around 1,500 members of Central Armed Police Forces—including NSG, RAF, CRPF, and BSF commandos—will be deployed. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are on alert, conducting joint patrolling in the sea to ensure safety. Anti-drone measures, police drones, bomb squads, dog squads, and quick response teams are also strategically positioned to respond to any emergencies. To enhance surveillance, the state government has installed 473 CCTV cameras and 65 large LED screens to disseminate information in multiple languages, including Odia and Hindi, ensuring that all attendees are informed and safe.

Special attention has been dedicated to crowd control, traffic management, and preventing stampedes, with dynamic traffic arrangements in place, over 1,600 signages, and various other facilities to assist attendees. Security vehicles are stationed near the temple to address any contingencies that may arise during the festival.

Compounding the logistical challenges, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Puri, which recorded 143.8 mm of rain in a 24-hour period on Wednesday. In response to the adverse weather conditions, the district administration has closed all schools and implemented special arrangements to drain rainwater from the Grand Road, ensuring a smooth procession for devotees. Authorities have advised pilgrims, particularly the elderly, children, and those with medical conditions, to remain vigilant and avoid prolonged exposure to rain and large crowds.

The Puri Collector confirmed that pumps are being utilized to effectively drain out excess water, highlighting the proactive measures taken to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall on the festival proceedings.

In terms of logistics, the Indian Railways is facilitating the travel of devotees by running over 300 trains to Puri, while the state government has deployed around 800 buses to accommodate the influx of attendees. This extensive transportation network is vital for ensuring that devotees can access the festival safely and conveniently.

Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several ministers are present in Puri to monitor the conduct of the festival, underscoring the significance of the Rath Yatra not only as a religious event but also as a cultural and social gathering that attracts attention from various levels of government. The involvement of high-ranking officials emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the large crowds expected to participate in the festivities.

As the city of Puri prepares for the Rath Yatra amidst heavy security and rain warnings, the collective efforts of various stakeholders—from government officials to local servitors—reflect a commitment to upholding the traditions of this revered festival while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. The Rath Yatra is not only a celebration of faith but also a testament to the resilience and spirit of the devotees who gather to partake in this time-honored event.