PURI, June 27 — Lakhs of devotees have gathered in the coastal town of Puri for the annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath on Friday, with the Odisha government putting in place extensive security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the iconic event.
Police officials said over one lakh pilgrims had already reached Puri by Thursday evening, and the numbers swelled significantly by Friday morning. Devotees from across India and abroad continue to pour into the city to witness the revered chariot procession.
“By the grace of Mahaprabhu (Lord Jagannath), we are fully prepared to conduct a smooth Rath Yatra on Friday,” said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee. “We are receiving complete cooperation from the servitors, and all arrangements are in place to make the mega event successful.”
In view of the massive turnout, Puri has been turned into a virtual fortress, with approximately 10,000 security personnel deployed, including eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces.
For the first time, an Integrated Command and Control Centre has been set up in the city to monitor the festival closely. Odisha DGP Y B Khurania said the initiative will allow real-time coordination and response across departments.
More than 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations in Puri and along the route to Konark, the site of the famous 13th-century Sun Temple, 35 km away.
To bolster security along the Grand Road, where the chariots roll forward in a grand spectacle, National Security Guard (NSG) snipers have been positioned on rooftops.
The Ratha Yatra, a centuries-old tradition, draws millions each year and is considered one of the largest religious congregations in the country.
