Puri/Jajpur, July 22: In a remarkable incident during the ongoing Rath Yatra, two seven-year-old boys from Chandikhol in Jajpur district travelled alone to Puri after hearing about the famous festival, prompting swift action by child protection authorities.

According to officials, the two friends left home without informing their families and reached Dhanmandal Railway Station, where they boarded a train bound for Puri. After arriving in the pilgrim town, they first visited the sea beach for a bath before making their way to the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to witness the Rath Yatra festivities.

Later in the night, the children were found sitting near a temple close to Brundabati Nivas around 11 p.m. Volunteers deployed for child protection during the festival noticed the unattended minors and questioned them. After learning that the boys had travelled alone, the volunteers immediately alerted members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The children were shifted to Utkal Balashram for temporary shelter, where they were provided care and counselling the following day. During counselling, officials learned that the boys belonged to Chandikhol in Jajpur district.

The matter was immediately reported to State Child Protection Society officials, following which the Jajpur District Child Protection Unit coordinated with the Child Welfare Committee in Puri. A team from Jajpur was sent to Puri, and on Wednesday, the two children were safely brought back to Jajpur.

The boys have been placed under the care of the district child protection authorities, while officials continue the process of ensuring their safe reunification with their families. The incident has once again highlighted the crucial role played by child protection volunteers and agencies in safeguarding children during large public gatherings such as the Rath Yatra.