A coordination meeting for the smooth conduct of this year’s Mahaprabhu Lingaraj Ashokastami Rath Yatra was held at the Circuit House under the chairmanship of Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj.
The meeting decided that the sacred Rath Yatra will take place on March 26, while the Bahuda Yatra (return journey) is scheduled for March 30.
According to the finalised timetable, the day of the Rath Yatra will begin with Mangala Alati and Abakasha from 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM, followed by Sahana Mela Darshan until 5:00 AM. The Yatra Puja will be performed between 10:15 AM and 10:45 AM, after which the Pahandi of Lord Lingaraj, chariot puja, horse yoking, and opening of the Charamala will be completed. The chariot pulling (Ratha Tana) is set to commence at 2:30 PM. The same chariot-pulling timing of 2:30 PM has been fixed for the Bahuda Yatra as well.
District Collector Amrit Ruturaj directed all departmental officers to execute their responsibilities diligently. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been entrusted with arranging temporary bhogapindi, sanitation, illumination, temple decoration with flowers, and supply of drinking water bottles. WATCO has been tasked with ensuring the drinking water supply, road washing, and positioning water tankers ahead of and behind the chariot procession.
Other important issues discussed included fire safety, uninterrupted power supply, road repairs, and maintenance of law and order.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh called upon all stakeholders to extend full cooperation so that the festival is conducted in a disciplined and grand manner.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Collector Ramesh Chandra Jena, Sub-Collector Dr Manoranjan Sahu, Additional Executive Officer of Lingaraj Temple Hemant Kumar Bharimall, senior officials from various departments, and representatives of different Nijogas.
