The world-renowned Puri Rath Yatra 2025, a cornerstone of Odia culture and spirituality, is set to be a grand and organised affair, with the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department of Odisha rolling out comprehensive plans to ensure its success.
This iconic festival, centred around Lord Jagannath, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad to witness the divine procession of the Chaturdha Murti (Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshan). The I&PR Department is tasked with promoting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and facilitating a seamless experience for devotees through strategic initiatives.
In a preparatory meeting held today at the Lok Sampark Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh chaired discussions to outline the department’s responsibilities for the upcoming Rath Yatra. Emphasising disciplined and efficient execution, Singh directed officials to enhance outreach efforts to connect with Jagannath devotees worldwide. The meeting, attended by key departmental officials, reviewed past initiatives and finalised plans for 2025, focusing on accessibility, cultural promotion, and global visibility.
Director Anuj Kumar Das Pattnaik opened the meeting with introductory remarks, while Technical Director Surendranath Parida provided insights into last year’s programs and the roadmap for this year. A key focus was the establishment of temporary information centres across Puri to assist devotees. These centres will be set up at strategic locations, including Singhadwar, Balagandi, Badashankha, Jagannath Ballav Math, Digabarini, Gundicha Badi, Malatipatpur, Subhas Bose Square, Pantha Bhawan, Talabania, Jagannath Ballav Parking, and the Puri Railway Station. These hubs will provide real-time information and support to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
To showcase Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage, the I&PR Department, in collaboration with the Puri District Information and Public Relations Officer and the District Culture Officer, will organise high-quality cultural programs at these centres. Traditional folk arts such as Pala, Daskathia, and Ghodanacha will be performed, alongside evening bhajan sessions by renowned vocalists at the open-air stage of Gundicha Temple. These events aim to immerse devotees and tourists in the spiritual and cultural essence of Odisha.
A major thrust of the department’s strategy is to reach a global audience through extensive media coverage. The Rath Yatra will be broadcast live on local and national electronic media, with a live common feed system to ensure accessibility. Arrangements for television and photo coverage, radio jingles, and advertisements will amplify the festival’s reach. Social media campaigns and hoardings along the Cuttack-Puri National Highway will display the Chief Minister’s greetings and highlight the state government’s developmental initiatives, further promoting Odisha’s progress alongside its cultural legacy.
The department will also publish special editions of Utkal Prasanga and Odisha Review, along with Jagannath Janana, for distribution during the festival. A dedicated photo exhibition in Puri will showcase Jagannath culture and the state’s developmental achievements, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Odisha’s heritage and progress. Additionally, information centres will be established in other districts hosting Rath Yatra celebrations to ensure widespread engagement.
Principal Secretary Singh urged officials to execute all tasks systematically, emphasising collaboration to make the festival a resounding success. The meeting saw participation from Additional Secretary Bishnupriya Sahu, Additional Directors Santosh Kumar Das and Gurabir Singh, Joint Director Biswajit Dash, Field Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini, and Puri District Information and Public Relations Officer Santosh Kumar Sethi, among others.
With these meticulous preparations, the I&PR Department is poised to make Puri Rath Yatra 2025 a memorable and spiritually enriching experience, reinforcing Odisha’s cultural identity on the global stage.
