Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu Extend Greetings for Jagannath Rath Yatra

The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra has commenced in Puri, Odisha, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offering their warm wishes to devotees worldwide. PM Modi emphasized the festival's representation of India's rich spiritual heritage, while President Murmu highlighted its unique significance as a moment of connection between devotees and the divine. With extensive security measures in place, the event is expected to attract millions of participants, ensuring a peaceful celebration of this important Hindu festival. Read on to discover more about the festivities and the leaders' messages.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 09:59 IST

Celebration of Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins in Puri

The renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra is commencing today in Puri, Odisha, and both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have conveyed their best wishes to devotees across the nation and the globe. PM Modi described this historic festival as a representation of India's enduring spiritual and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the three divine chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are adorned and ready at the Singhadwara of the Puri temple, amidst tight security and preparations for heavy rainfall.

PM Modi's Message on the Sacred Occasion

On the occasion of the Rath Yatra, PM Modi shared a message on 'X', stating, "Warm greetings to everyone on this sacred occasion of the Rath Yatra. It is a magnificent expression of India's timeless spiritual and cultural legacy. The traditions associated with this festival have inspired generations in India and around the world, symbolizing humility, collective participation, and selfless service."

He also prayed for the well-being and happiness of all, wishing that "Lord Jagannath bless everyone with good health, joy, and prosperity. May He empower us in all our endeavors and strengthen the spirit of unity in our society. Jai Jagannath!"

President Murmu's Greetings for the Rath Yatra

President Droupadi Murmu also extended her congratulations to devotees in India and worldwide on the auspicious occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. She remarked that this heartfelt occasion symbolizes the union of devotees and the divine, calling it "truly unique."

In a post on 'X' prior to the annual Rath Yatra, President Murmu highlighted the spiritual, cultural, and unifying significance of the festival, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the nation and its people. "On this auspicious occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, I extend heartfelt greetings to all devotees of Shri Jagannath, both in India and abroad. It is believed that during this sacred procession, Lord Jagannath, along with Sudarshan Chakra, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, comes out to meet the devotees. This poignant moment of connection between the devotee and the divine is indeed extraordinary," she wrote from her official handle.

All You Need to Know About the Puri Rath Yatra

The three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—Nandighosh, Darpadalana, and Taladhwaja—have been positioned at the Singhadwara of the Puri Jagannath temple, ready for the annual Rath Yatra that begins today.

As one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, the Jagannath Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees each year. Extensive security and logistical arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event.

Robust Security Measures in Place in Puri

Notably, a multi-layered security arrangement has been established in Puri, involving state police, central forces, the Indian Navy, and Coast Guard personnel. Special attention is being given to crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response.

ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar reported that 13,000 police officers, 15 companies of central armed forces, NSG commandos, and 500 lifeguards have already been deployed.

Odisha Police Chief Y.B. Khurania stated that a comprehensive security plan has been implemented, including monitoring from land, water, and air. He emphasized, "We will focus on crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response on the ground, while drones and anti-drone technology will assist in aerial security." He further mentioned that quick response teams from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Police will patrol the coast.

Social Media Highlights

ପବିତ୍ର ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ଅବସରରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା । ଏହା ଭାରତର କାଳଜୟୀ ଆଧ୍ୟାତ୍ମିକ ଏବଂ ସାଂସ୍କୃତିକ ଐତିହ୍ୟର ଏକ ଅନନ୍ୟ ଅଭିବ୍ୟକ୍ତି । ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ସହ ଜଡିତ ପରମ୍ପରା ଭାରତ ଏବଂ ବିଶ୍ୱର ଅନେକ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ଦେଇଛି । ଏହା ବିନମ୍ରତା, ସାମୂହିକ ଅଂଶଗ୍ରହଣ ଏବଂ ନିଃସ୍ୱାର୍ଥପର ସେବାକୁ ପ୍ରତିଫଳିତ କରେ ।

ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2026