The Odisha government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the smooth conduct of the Puri Rath Yatra 2025 by forming a high-level Ministerial Committee to oversee the arrangements for the world-famous festival.
The Law Department issued a notification on Friday, June 6, 2025, announcing the formation of the committee, which will be chaired by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.
The annual Rath Yatra, set to take place on June 27, 2025, following the Snana Yatra on June 11, is one of the most significant religious events in India, drawing millions of devotees from across the globe to the coastal town of Puri. The Car Festival celebrates the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, as their massive chariots are pulled along the Puri Grand Road from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to the Mausi Maa Temple, a distance of three kilometres.
The newly formed committee, as outlined in the notification, includes the Deputy Chief Minister as Chairperson, and members include the Minister of Law, Works & Excise, the Minister of Health, the Minister of H&UD., and Minister of Commerce & Transport while the Principal Secretary of the Law Department, will serve as the Convener.
The committee’s primary responsibility is to monitor, oversee, and provide guidance at the government level to ensure that all arrangements for the festival are executed seamlessly.
The Odisha government has already begun preparations to accommodate the massive influx of devotees and dignitaries expected this year. Security and logistics are also being prioritised. Earlier this week, on June 2, 2025, Odisha police reviewed arrangements for the Rath Yatra at a high-level meeting chaired by Director General of Police Y B Khurania.
A multi-layered security framework is being implemented, featuring extensive CCTV surveillance, specialised traffic management systems, and dedicated coastal patrolling units. Temporary police outposts, K-9 squads, and enhanced security at railway stations in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Khurda, and Jatni are part of the blueprint to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of ceremonies.
Traffic management, a critical aspect given the expected crowds, will include designated zones, road dividers, and ample parking facilities to prevent congestion. Independent helipads for VIP movement and separate accommodation for police forces have also been arranged, reflecting the state’s comprehensive approach to managing the festival.
