A high-level coordination meeting was held to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming Ashokashtami Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar.
The meeting was chaired by Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj at the local Circuit House, with officials from various departments in attendance.
Festival Dates and Schedule Finalised
As per the schedule:
- Ratha Yatra will be held on March 26, 2026
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival) will take place on March 30, 2026
On the day of the Ratha Yatra:
- Rituals like Mangal Alati and Abakasha will be conducted from 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM
- Sahanamela Darshan will continue till 5:00 AM
- After Yatra Puja between 10:15 AM and 10:45 AM, rituals such as Pahandi, chariot पूजा, and ceremonial preparations will follow
- The chariot pulling is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM
Similarly, on the day of Bahuda Yatra, the chariot pulling will commence at 2:30 PM.
Strict Instructions for Departmental Coordination
District Collector Amrit Ruturaj directed all departmental officials to ensure seamless execution of their assigned responsibilities for the festival.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been entrusted with:
- Temporary Bhog Mandap arrangements
- Cleanliness and sanitation
- Decorative lighting
- Floral decoration of the temple
- Drinking water bottle distribution
Water Supply, Safety, and Infrastructure Arrangements
The Water Corporation (WATCO) has been instructed to:
- Ensure continuous drinking water supply
- Carry out road cleaning
- Deploy water tankers in front of and behind the chariots
Key discussions were also held on:
- Fire safety arrangements
- Uninterrupted electricity supply
- Road repairs
- Maintenance of law and order
Call for Collective Effort
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh urged all departments and stakeholders to extend full cooperation to ensure the festival is conducted in a disciplined and peaceful manner.
Officials and Stakeholders Present
The meeting was attended by:
- Additional District Magistrate Ramesh Chandra Jena
- Sub-Collector Dr. Manoranjan Sahu
- Additional Executive Officer of Lingaraj Temple Hemant Kumar Bhrimall
- Officials from various departments and representatives of temple servitor groups
The Ashokashtami Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is one of the most significant religious events in Bhubaneswar, attracting thousands of devotees every year. Authorities are gearing up to ensure a safe and well-organized celebration in 2026.