What to Expect at the Upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri?

Devotees Gather for Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra

Puri: On the eve of the Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath, a large number of devotees flocked to Puri, Odisha, to witness the return of the sibling deities at the ancient 12th-century temple.

Many arrived at the temple's 'Singha Dwar' (Lion's Gate) before dawn to catch a glimpse of the 'Nabajouban darshan' (youthful appearance) of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath on the 'Ratna Bedi' (sacred platform).

The deities are revealed to the public after a two-week period of absence.

Public access to the deities was halted following their bathing rituals on June 11.

According to Bhaskar Mishra, a scholar of Jagannath culture, it is believed that the deities do not show themselves to devotees as they undergo a period of illness post-bathing rituals, remaining in isolation at the 'Anasar Ghar' (isolation room) for two weeks leading up to the Rath Yatra.

An official from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) stated that the temple opened its doors for 'Nabajouban Darsan' from 8 AM to 10:30 AM.

During the 'Nabajouban Besha', the deities don special youthful attire, marking a celebration of Lord Jagannath's rejuvenation. This day is also known as 'Netra Ustav' (eye-opening festival), during which the idols' eyes are painted.

Mishra noted that this ritual is conducted by designated servitors and is kept confidential within the temple.

Initially, devotees were permitted to enter the temple for a 'parmanik' (paid) darshan from 8 AM to 9 AM, followed by general public access from 9 AM to 10:30 AM, after which the temple doors were closed for the day.

Arabinda Padhee, the SJTA chief administrator, remarked that the 'Nabajouban Darsan' proceeded smoothly thanks to the cooperation of all servitors, expressing hope for a successful Rath Yatra.

Throughout the day, the three chariots will be stationed in front of the temple's main entrance.

The chariots will be pulled from Rath Khada (chariot yards) in the afternoon, with rituals for parking the chariots being performed.

The construction of the three wooden chariots—'Taladwaja' (Lord Balabhadra's chariot), 'Debadalan' (Devi Subhadra's chariot), and 'Nandighosh' (Lord Jagannath's chariot)—has been completed and is set to roll on the Grand Road on June 27.

In preparation for the Rath Yatra, a significant security presence of 10,000 personnel, including members of the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), has been established.

For the first time, commandos from the National Security Guards (NSG) will also be on duty during the festival.

According to Odisha DGP Y B Khurania, NSG personnel will monitor the event from rooftops, and approximately 275 AI-enabled cameras have been strategically placed throughout Puri for the large-scale event, with special plans in place for crowd management, traffic control, health services, and other amenities.

Robust security measures have also been implemented around the Sri Gundicha temple, where the chariots carrying the deities will be taken and parked for a week.

Additionally, personnel from the Odisha marine police, Coast Guard, and Indian Navy have been deployed to ensure coastal security.