Odisha: Rath Yatra 2026 preparations gain momentum in Puri

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Odisha: Rath Yatra 2026 preparations gain momentum in Puri


Bhubaneswar:  Preparations for the Rath Yatra 2026 have intensified in Puri, with authorities and temple administration undertaking large-scale arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual festival that attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad. While the traditional construction of the three grand chariots of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is progressing steadily near the Jagannath Temple, the district administration has simultaneously begun extensive preparations related to security, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water and traffic management in anticipation of an estimated gathering of 15 to 20 lakh devotees.

The scale of the preparations reflects the significance of the annual Rath Yatra, one of India’s most revered religious festivals and a major cultural event in Odisha. The ongoing construction work and coordinated administrative planning have heightened excitement among devotees eagerly awaiting the grand procession.

Chariot Construction Progressing Rapidly

At the chariot construction yard near the Jagannath Temple, traditional servitors are continuing the elaborate construction of the three ceremonial chariots under strict adherence to centuries-old rituals and customs. According to temple sources, a total of 18 wheels for the three chariots have already been completed.

As per tradition, each stage of the construction process is being carried out according to prescribed religious procedures. Skilled Rupakar servitors are currently engaged in intricate wood carving work on 11 sal wood blocks for each chariot. The artisans are carving figures of Bhagwan Narasimha on the wooden components, which form an important symbolic and decorative element of the chariots.

Temple officials said these carvings represent Odisha’s rich artistic legacy and showcase the traditional craftsmanship that has been preserved through generations of temple servitors. The carvings are not merely ornamental but also carry deep religious and cultural significance associated with the annual festival.

Simultaneously, work is progressing at the temporary blacksmith workshop where Ojha blacksmith servitors are manufacturing crucial iron components required for assembling the massive wooden chariots. Essential structural parts such as ‘Pandari’, ‘Tumb Bala’, ‘Ar Kanta’ and ‘Pandari Chabi’ are being forged for the construction process. These iron fittings play a vital role in strengthening and securing the giant chariots during the procession.

Temple authorities stated that every aspect of the construction work is being supervised by designated servitors in accordance with long-standing temple traditions to preserve the sanctity and heritage of the Rath Yatra.

First Coordination Committee Meeting Reviews Preparations

In a major administrative exercise, the first coordination committee meeting for Rath Yatra 2026 was held at the Town Hall in Puri under the chairmanship of Central RDC Sudhanshu Mohan Samal. During the meeting, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida informed officials that the administration is expecting an inflow of nearly 15 to 20 lakh devotees during this year’s festival.

Considering the anticipated crowd, authorities have directed all concerned departments to complete preparations in a time-bound manner. The meeting focused on ensuring smooth crowd management, public safety and uninterrupted civic services during the festival period.

Senior officials, public representatives and intellectuals attending the meeting offered several suggestions to make the festival more organised and secure. The administration reiterated that providing convenience and safety to devotees would remain its top priority throughout the event.

Arrangements for Wood and Ritual Materials

Shree Mandir Niti Administrator Priyaranjan Prusti informed the meeting that a total of 818 pieces of wood are required for the construction of the three chariots. Out of these, 710 pieces have already arrived, while the remaining 108 are expected to reach Puri by the end of the month.

He further stated that additional palm trees would be brought from Hindol in Dhenkanal district for preparing an extra set of Charamal. Besides this, 200 kilograms of additional incense material (Jhuna) will be procured, while three quintals of sandalwood will be brought from Tamil Nadu for ritual purposes.

The State Coir Board will provide 28 ropes for pulling the chariots and six cutting ropes required during the festival rituals.

In a significant step aimed at ensuring devotee safety, the administration has also announced insurance coverage for devotees within the Puri Municipal Corporation limits in case of accidental death, stampede-related incidents or terrorist attacks during the festival.

Extensive Healthcare Preparedness

Health authorities have planned extensive medical arrangements for Rath Yatra 2026 considering the huge congregation expected during the festival.

The Chief District Medical Officer stated that a temporary 150-bed hospital will be set up on the first and second floors of the new building of the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Additionally, 100 temporary beds will be arranged at Red Cross, Red TB and IGH facilities.

Between Bada Danda and the railway station, eight temporary hospitals will be established along with 30 first-aid centres to provide immediate medical assistance to devotees. Super-specialist and specialist doctors will remain deployed at the district headquarters hospital, while temporary medical facilities will be staffed with medicine and general physicians.

Authorities are also setting up a dedicated heat stroke treatment unit, an air-conditioned ward and a 10-bed special treatment unit. During the festival, 42 government ambulances will remain operational while 30 personnel equipped with oxygen cylinders will be stationed along Bada Danda to respond to emergencies.

The district administration has also ensured that 300 units of blood will remain stocked in blood banks during the festival period.

Drinking Water, Sanitation and Traffic Management

Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring uninterrupted drinking water and sanitation services for the lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the festival.

Officials said that all 185 “Drink From Tap” points installed along Bada Danda and 20 additional tap points at Shree Danda will provide round-the-clock drinking water during Rath Yatra. Besides this, water supply will also be ensured through 19 overhead tanks and 120 PVC tanks.

To strengthen sanitation arrangements, authorities will install 1,000 temporary toilets for devotees at different locations and an additional 600 temporary toilets at police accommodation centres.

WATCO officials informed the meeting that drains and sewerage systems in areas adjoining Bada Danda and the Jagannath Temple would be cleaned thoroughly to prevent waterlogging during rains. Open drains will also be covered to avoid inconvenience and accidents.

The Transport Department has planned dedicated parking arrangements at Talabania for passenger buses and other vehicles. At Malatipatpur, arrangements will be made for parking interstate buses along with accommodation facilities for nearly 2,000 people.

To streamline vehicular movement and strengthen enforcement on the Puri-Bhubaneswar route, four interceptor vehicles and 10 special enforcement squads will be deployed during the festival period.

The meeting was attended by Dr  Sambit Patra, Puri MLA Sunil Kumar Mohanty, senior officials from various government departments and administrative representatives. All participants stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that Rath Yatra 2026 is conducted in a safe, disciplined and grand manner befitting its global spiritual significance.





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