Bhubaneswar, May 22: The Odisha Government has intensified preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra and associated rituals of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan was held today at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar to discuss arrangements for the grand festival.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister stated that every ritual and festival associated with Lord Jagannath is deeply connected with the emotions and faith of millions of devotees in Odisha and across the world.
Keeping this in mind, he stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the orderly conduct of all major events, including Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Adapa Mandap Bije, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Adharapana, and Niladri Bije.
He emphasized that the cooperation of all stakeholders — including various government departments, district administration, police authorities, servitors, Nijogs, and devotees — is essential for the successful and peaceful organization of the festivals this year.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held with representatives of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri district administration, Puri police, Daitapati Nijog, and other concerned agencies. Key issues discussed included the timely conduct of rituals, orderly Pahandi processions, smooth chariot pulling arrangements, disciplined darshan management, security measures, crowd control strategies, advance dissemination of ritual schedules, and installation of special barricading at sensitive locations.
The meeting also focused on creating awareness among servitors, Nijog members, and police personnel regarding their duties and responsibilities during the festival period to maintain discipline and ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
On the occasion, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee informed the gathering about various preparatory measures already undertaken. These include arrangements for chariot wood, ropes, fabrics for the chariots, and the stocking of essential ritual materials such as incense and sandalwood required for the ceremonies.
Among others present at the meeting were Principal Secretary of the Law Department Dr. Pavitra Mohan Samal, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, Daitapati Nijog President Ganesh Das Mahapatra, General Secretary Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, along with senior officials of the Law Department, Puri district administration, and members of the Daitapati Nijog.
