Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday held a high-level meeting to review preparations for the smooth and disciplined conduct of this year’s Rath Yatra and associated rituals of Lord Jagannath in Puri, with Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasising coordinated efforts among all stakeholders.
Chairing the meeting at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar, Harichandan said the annual festivals and rituals associated with Lord Jagannath are deeply connected with the emotions and faith of devotees in Odisha and across the world. He stressed the need for seamless coordination among government departments, district and police administrations, servitors and temple bodies to ensure orderly celebrations.
The minister said special focus is being placed on the smooth organisation of all major events beginning from Snana Yatra and extending up to Niladri Bije, including Rath Yatra, Adapa Mandap Bije, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Adharapana.
During the meeting, discussions were held with representatives of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri district administration, district police, Daitapati Nijog and other concerned agencies regarding measures for the disciplined conduct of rituals and public arrangements.
Officials reviewed plans to ensure timely conduct of key rituals and events such as Pahandi, chariot pulling and Adapa Mandap rituals. The meeting also focused on crowd management, security arrangements, orderly darshan, advance dissemination of ritual schedules and improved facilities for devotees.
The state government also discussed deploying special barricading arrangements at critical locations to manage crowds and creating greater awareness among servitors, temple functionaries and police personnel regarding their responsibilities during the festival period.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Dr Aravind Kumar Padhee briefed the meeting on preparatory arrangements already underway, including procurement and availability of essential materials required for Rath Yatra and temple rituals. These include wood for chariot construction, ropes, chariot fabric and ritual items such as incense and sandalwood.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Law Department Principal Secretary Dr Pavitra Mohan Samal, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, Daitapati Nijog president Ganesh Das Mahapatra and general secretary Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra, along with senior officers from the Law Department, Puri administration and temple bodies
