Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee announced that preparations for the grand procession are almost finished. The festival is set to be celebrated on July 16 this year.
Padhee mentioned that all rituals for the deities have been meticulously scheduled and arrangements are in place for devotees to have ‘darshan’. ‘Nabajaubana Darshan’ is scheduled for July 14 with specific timings in the afternoon for devotees.
Idols will be carried from the ‘Ratna Singhasan’ to the chariots and then to Shri Gundicha Temple. The chief administrator highlighted ongoing infrastructural developments at the Gundicha Temple premises to enhance the devotees’ experience.
Noting the expected large congregation for the Rath Yatra procession, Padhee acknowledged the significant support from the police, district administration, and other government bodies. Extensive police deployment and traffic restrictions are planned for the event.
Traditional Odissi artworks are being created near the Singh Dwar of Shri Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple. Diptranjan Nayak, an artist involved in the preparations, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the temple and highlighted the divine intervention that halted heavy rains, allowing work to begin.
Nayak shared that 40 artists are currently working on the site, split between the Jagannath Temple and Mausi Maa Temple. He described the Rath Yatra as a unique annual event where Lord Jagannath’s blessings are bestowed upon devotees, transcending barriers of caste, creed, or religion.
