Devotee Safety Archives - Odisha Connect

IMD Issues Weather Advisory for Puri; Devotees Urged to Remain Alert During Rath Yatra

OdishaConnect — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:57:23 +0000

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory for Puri, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities. The advisory urges devotees to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines while participating in the annual festival.

According to the IMD, if heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds occur, devotees should immediately move to a safe and permanent shelter and avoid remaining in open areas until weather conditions improve.

The weather office has advised people not to take shelter under trees, electric poles, or temporary structures during thunderstorms, as these can pose serious safety risks.

Devotees have also been asked to closely monitor official weather updates throughout the day, as monsoon weather conditions can change rapidly. Despite cloudy skies, humidity levels are expected to remain high, making it essential to stay hydrated and carry sufficient drinking water.

The advisory recommends wearing non-slip footwear while walking on the rain-soaked and slippery Grand Road (Bada Danda) to avoid accidents. Pilgrims are also encouraged to keep their mobile phones fully charged and follow official alerts during their visit.

Special care has been advised for elderly devotees, children, and people with existing health conditions, who should avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain and overcrowded areas.

The IMD has further urged visitors to protect their mobile phones, valuables, and important documents by keeping them in waterproof bags or pouches.

For those planning to visit Puri Beach, authorities have advised that sea bathing should be done only at designated and permitted locations. Devotees have been warned to avoid entering the sea during high tide or when the sea remains rough due to adverse weather conditions.

With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the Rath Yatra, authorities have appealed to everyone to follow weather advisories and safety instructions to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.

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Odisha Health Department Issues Advisory for Rath Yatra Devotees; Three Chariots Reach Singhadwara

OdishaConnect — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:24:49 +0000

Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the Odisha Health Department has issued a comprehensive health advisory for devotees visiting Puri, urging them to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage.

The department has advised people suffering from fever, cold, cough, flu or other infectious symptoms to avoid crowded places during the festival. Devotees have also been asked to drink only safe drinking water, wash their hands thoroughly before eating, and maintain personal hygiene throughout their visit.

Avoid Unsafe Food, Stay Hydrated

The advisory cautions pilgrims against consuming food sold in the open, stale or foul-smelling food, artificially coloured items, fruits and vegetables that appear spoiled, or food exposed to flies.

To prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses, devotees have been advised to wear a light-coloured cap or cover their heads with a wet cloth, drink sufficient ORS and water, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Safety Measures for Pilgrims

The Health Department has urged visitors to follow the instructions of lifeguards while taking a dip in the sea to prevent accidents. Those staying overnight in Puri have been advised to use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents.

Special care has also been recommended for children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who should be kept away from overcrowded areas. Anyone feeling unwell has been advised to immediately visit the nearest medical centre.

For emergencies, devotees can contact the Puri Hospital Control Room (06752-222175), the State Health Helpline (104) or call 108 Ambulance Services.

Three Chariots Reach Singhadwara

Meanwhile, Puri has transformed into a sea of devotees ahead of the grand Rath Yatra. While sacred rituals continue inside the Shree Jagannath Temple, the three majestic chariots have taken their designated positions in front of the Singhadwara.

Following the Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals, the sacred Agyanmala was ceremonially brought from the temple and offered to the three chariots by the designated temple servitors.

As per tradition, the chariots were then pulled from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara. Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, arrived first, followed by Debadalana, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, and finally Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

Spiritual Fervour Grips Puri

With the three chariots now stationed before the temple, the spiritual atmosphere in Puri has intensified. Thousands of devotees have gathered along the Bada Danda, offering prayers and eagerly awaiting the divine appearance of Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra.

The Grand Road reverberates with chants of “Jai Jagannath,” the ringing of temple bells, devotional hymns, and the fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion as the holy city prepares for one of the world’s largest religious festivals.

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Puri Gears Up for Rath Yatra; Special Focus on Devotee Safety and Healthcare Arrangements

OdishaConnect — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:30:09 +0000

Preparations are in full swing for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as Sri Kshetra Puri gets ready to welcome lakhs of devotees. The second coordination meeting for Rath Yatra arrangements was held under the chairmanship of the Law Minister, where reports from all line departments were reviewed.

After assessing the progress of various departments, the Law Minister issued strict instructions to officials to ensure smooth management of the festival. The administration has been working on preparations since January to rectify shortcomings observed during last year’s Rath Yatra. One-to-one discussions were also held between the Minister, secretaries, and the Chief Secretary regarding the arrangements.

No Excavation Work Allowed After July 5

To avoid inconvenience during the festival, authorities have decided that no excavation work will be allowed in Puri city after July 5. Officials have been instructed to complete all pending works before the deadline and ensure that roads and public areas remain ready for the grand event.

Special Healthcare Arrangements for Devotees

This year, special emphasis has been given to healthcare facilities for devotees attending the Rath Yatra. Eight temporary medical centres will be set up on both sides of the Bada Danda (Grand Road), while first-aid centres will be available at 30 locations across the city.

The Puri District Headquarters Hospital has also been strengthened with 10 ICU beds and 10 trauma beds. Additionally, 150 beds in the new hospital building have been kept ready to handle emergency situations during the festival.

Green Corridor for Emergency Services

For quick movement of ambulances during emergencies, a dedicated ‘Green Corridor’ system will be created along the Bada Danda. Health officials will remain on duty from June 25 to July 27 to ensure round-the-clock medical support for devotees.

Administration Focuses on Smooth Rath Yatra Management

The district administration and concerned departments are working in coordination to ensure a safe and hassle-free Rath Yatra. Officials have been directed to complete all preparations on time and maintain high standards of crowd management, public safety, and essential services during the festival.

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Odisha Police Finalises Extensive Security Arrangements for Debasnana Purnima 2026

OdishaConnect — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:32:51 +0000

With the sacred Debasnana Purnima of Lord Jagannath scheduled to be observed on June 29, Odisha Police has begun extensive preparations to ensure a safe, secure and orderly celebration of the festival in Puri.

A high-level review meeting was held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania to assess security, crowd management and traffic arrangements for the event.

High-Level Review of Security Measures

During the meeting, the DGP reviewed preparations related to crowd control, traffic regulation and law-and-order management, keeping in view the expected arrival of lakhs of devotees in Puri for the holy occasion.

He directed senior officers to work in close coordination at all levels to ensure the smooth conduct of Debasnana Purnima as well as the upcoming Rath Yatra without any disruptions.

Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation), Shri Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi, presented a detailed plan on the management of the festival and security deployment.

Massive Police Deployment Planned

To maintain peace and order within and around the Shree Jagannath Temple, Odisha Police will deploy a total of 72 platoons of police force during the festival.

The security setup will include 6 SPs/Commandants, 17 Additional SPs, 42 DSPs, 94 Inspectors, 352 SI/ASIs, 53 Havildars and 428 Constables. Senior officers will supervise key locations to ensure effective crowd management and quick response to emergencies.

Advanced Surveillance and Crowd Management

Special and strengthened barricading arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth darshan for devotees at the Snana Mandap. The system is designed to ensure orderly movement and prevent overcrowding.

The temple premises, surrounding areas and barricaded routes will be monitored through advanced CCTV surveillance systems. Special crack teams will remain on standby to respond to any emergency situation.

Anti-Snatching Squad and Striking Force on Alert

To curb incidents such as pickpocketing and chain-snatching, dedicated Anti-Snatching Squads will be deployed. In addition, a specialised Striking Force will remain ready to tackle any unforeseen situation.

The DGP also directed officials to maintain close coordination with the district administration and other key departments to ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of Debasnana Purnima 2026.

Several senior police officers attended the meeting, while officials from Puri and other districts joined through virtual mode to review and finalise security arrangements.

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