Ahead of the Rath Yatra 2026, the Odisha government has issued a comprehensive set of health and electrical safety guidelines for devotees, organisers and the general public to ensure a safe and hassle-free celebration during one of the state’s largest religious gatherings.
The advisories, issued by the Health & Family Welfare Department and the Energy Department, focus on preventing health emergencies, ensuring food safety and avoiding electrical accidents as lakhs of devotees are expected to gather for the annual festival.
Health Department Advises Safe Food and Hydration
The Health Department has urged pilgrims to take preventive measures to stay healthy during the festival.
Devotees have been advised to:
- Drink only clean or boiled water and wash hands thoroughly before meals.
- Avoid street food, stale or foul-smelling food, artificially coloured food items, and fruits or vegetables exposed to flies.
- Protect themselves from heat by wearing white caps or covering their heads with wet cloths and consuming ORS regularly.
- Follow lifeguards’ instructions while taking a holy dip in the sea.
- Use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents if staying overnight.
- Keep senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities away from overcrowded areas.
- Visit the nearest health centre immediately if they experience any illness or discomfort.
Energy Department Issues Electrical Safety Guidelines
To prevent electrical mishaps during the festival, the Energy Department has directed organisers to comply with all electricity safety norms.
According to the advisory:
- Organisers must inform the local electricity office in writing before moving chariots along designated routes.
- Electrical wiring, equipment and installations at pandals, hotels, shops, yatra venues and other crowded locations should be thoroughly inspected before use.
- Any electrical hazards or safety concerns should be reported immediately to the local Electrical Inspector.
Government Appeals for Public Cooperation
The Odisha government has appealed to devotees, organisers and residents to strictly follow the issued guidelines to minimise health risks and prevent accidents during the grand festival.
With massive crowds expected during Rath Yatra 2026, authorities said coordinated public cooperation and adherence to safety protocols will help ensure a peaceful, safe and incident-free celebration.
