High-Level Review Meeting Held Ahead of Festival
The Odisha government has started extensive preparations to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the world-famous Rath Yatra, which will be held in Puri on July 16, 2026. A high-level review meeting was held on Thursday at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack under the chairmanship of Odisha Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.
Senior police officials were instructed to strengthen security arrangements and maintain close coordination at every level to avoid any lapses during the annual festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
Important Ritual Dates Announced
According to the traditional schedule of the Jagannath Temple, several major rituals will be observed before and after the Rath Yatra.
Debasnana Purnima will be held on June 29, followed by Nabajaubana Darshan on July 14. The Rath Yatra will take place on July 16, while Hera Panchami is scheduled for July 20. Bahuda Yatra will be observed on July 24, followed by Suna Besha on July 25, Adharapana on July 26, and Niladri Bije on July 27.
Special Security and Crowd Management Measures
To manage the massive crowd and ensure devotees’ safety, several new measures are being introduced this year. Authorities have identified eight additional parking locations to improve traffic management during the festival.
A special clearance party will be deployed ahead of the chariots during the pulling ceremony to ensure smooth movement. Crack teams will also be stationed at crowded locations for tighter security surveillance.
Additional CCTV cameras will be installed across key areas of Puri, while traffic dividers, delineators, and dedicated traffic zones will be created for better crowd and vehicle management.
Police Intensify Vigilance Across City
Police have also planned special drives across all police station areas in Puri to prevent crime during the festival period. Hotels and lodges will undergo regular inspections, while police patrolling along the sea beach will be intensified.
Security arrangements will also be strengthened at railway stations in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Jatni in coordination with railway police and RPF personnel.
Special arrangements including K-9 squads, NSG-trained SOG teams, barricading systems, emergency response plans, and anti-stampede measures will be deployed to ensure a safe and orderly Rath Yatra for all devotees.