The Odisha government today held the first high-level preparatory meeting for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The meeting emphasised advance planning to ensure a “zero-error” festival with smooth management for the expected lakhs of devotees.
Held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the meeting was attended by senior officials, including DGP Y.B. Khurania, DG Fire Services Dr Sudhansu Sarangi, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, Shree Mandir Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Puri SP Prateek Singh, and representatives from various departments and agencies.
Chief Secretary Garg directed all departments to prepare detailed action plans well in advance, noting that the festival is still six months away. She stressed the need for coordination across departments, from chariot wood collection to the final chariot pulling, to handle the massive influx of devotees.
The Rath Yatra is tentatively scheduled for **July 16, 2026**, though the final date will follow traditional decisions by the Chhatisa Niyog committee and other temple bodies. Key ritual milestones include:
- Wood worship on Basant Panchami (January 23)
- Wood cutting from Rama Navami (March 27)
- Chariot construction commencement on Akshaya Tritiya (April 20)
- Snana Yatra on June 29
Currently, 47 of the required 865 wooden logs are available, with the remaining 818 to be sourced from Nayagarh and Khordha forests. Officials assured timely supply following a recent coordination meeting.
Key focus areas discussed:
- Crowd management— Installation of large LED screens along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to reduce congestion near the chariots
- Health and sanitation— Additional temporary primary health centres with specialist doctors, 300–400 new toilets, and strict food safety norms
- Water supply— 24-hour drinking water assured by WATCO
- Infrastructure— Permanent toilets at government buildings, road repairs by April, and glow signage for facilities
- Security and traffic— Enhanced police deployment, parking arrangements, and restrictions on large beach events during the festival
Monthly review meetings will begin immediately, with departments required to present progress reports. Ongoing projects around Shree Gundicha Temple and other sites must be completed before the festival. The Chief Minister is also expected to review preparations closer to the event.
Garg urged all stakeholders to learn from past experiences and fulfil their responsibilities meticulously to deliver a safe, orderly, and memorable Rath Yatra 2026.
