The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, scheduled for June 27, 2025, is set to be a grand yet orderly affair, thanks to meticulous planning by the Odisha State Police.
In a high-level meeting held this afternoon at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania chaired discussions to ensure the festival’s smooth and secure execution, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
The Rath Yatra, a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage, marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on massive chariots through Puri’s streets.
To uphold the sanctity and discipline of this global event, DGP Khurania directed senior police officers to remain proactive and vigilant, emphasising a structured approach to crowd management, security, and traffic control.
Key Rituals and Timeline
The meeting highlighted the schedule of significant rituals as per Shri Jagannath Temple traditions:
-
June 11, 2025: Debasnana Purnima, the ceremonial bathing of the deities.
-
June 26, 2025: Nabajaubana Darshan, marking the deities’ youthful appearance.
-
June 27, 2025: The grand Rath Yatra, where the deities are pulled on chariots.
-
July 1, 2025: Hera Panchami, a key ritual during the deities’ stay at Gundicha Temple.
-
July 4, 2025: Sandhya Darshan, an evening glimpse of the deities.
-
July 5, 2025: Bahuda Yatra, the return journey to the main temple.
-
July 6, 2025: Suna Besha, the golden attire ceremony.
-
July 7, 2025: Adharapana, a ritual offering.
-
July 8, 2025: Niladri Bije, the deities’ re-entry into the temple.
With lakhs of devotees expected to throng Puri, the police are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety and order throughout this sacred period.
Robust Security and Traffic Measures
The meeting delved into comprehensive arrangements to safeguard the festival. Senior police officers will be deployed for specialized duties, with CCTV cameras installed at key locations across Puri to monitor activities. Traffic management emerged as a priority, with plans for road dividers, delineators, and designated traffic zones to streamline movement. Adequate parking facilities will be provided to accommodate the influx of vehicles, ensuring a disciplined flow of traffic.
Coastal security is also a focus, with intensified patrolling along Puri’s beach and the establishment of temporary police outposts. Railway stations in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Jatni will see heightened security, with the Railway Police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) coordinating efforts. DGP Khurania stressed the need for seamless collaboration to maintain order.
Crime Control and Special Arrangements
To curb potential crime, the police will launch special drives against miscreants across all police station jurisdictions in Puri. Regular checks at hotels and lodges will ensure safety, while patrol vehicles and K-9 squads will be deployed for added vigilance. Measures to prevent crowd-related incidents include strategic barricading and organized chariot-pulling arrangements.
For very important persons (VIPs), a dedicated helipad will be set up, alongside special facilities for police personnel accommodation. In collaboration with the district administration, the police aim to address any issues swiftly, ensuring a disciplined darshan experience for devotees. Emergency preparedness was also discussed to tackle unforeseen situations effectively.
The virtual meeting saw participation from senior officials, including Director (Intelligence) R.P. Koche, Additional DGP (Modernization) Soumendra Kumar Priyadarsi, Additional DGP (Railways & Coastal Security) Arun Bothra, Additional DGP (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and others. Key figures like IG (Central Range) S. Praveen Kumar, IG (Operations) Dr. Deepak Kumar, and SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal contributed to the planning, ensuring a cohesive strategy.
As Puri prepares to host this monumental event, the Odisha Police’s proactive measures aim to uphold the festival’s sanctity while ensuring the safety and convenience of all devotees. The stage is set for a memorable Rath Yatra 2025, blending tradition with top-notch security and management.
