Odisha Prepares for Shri Jagannath Yatra with Special Trains and Medical Kits

In Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, preparations are in full swing for the annual Shri Jagannath Yatra, set to begin on Sunday. This grand event, also known as the Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, is expected to attract lakhs of devotees.

Transport and Safety Measures

Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena announced that 24-hour control rooms and medical kits will be available in every bus for the Yatra. Six cranes will be stationed at different locations to assist with vehicle breakdowns.

Historical Significance

The Rath Yatra is as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri and involves the Holy Trinity’s journey to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple, and back. The festival is celebrated worldwide, from New Zealand to London and South Africa.

Special Arrangements

Puri District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain mentioned that President Droupadi Murmu will visit Puri on the day of the chariot pull. A 225-bed super speciality hospital has been set up, and massive police deployment is in place. Around 28 parking places and public amenities at transit points have been arranged.

Railway Services

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 315 special trains will run for devotees from states like Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, covering all parts of Odisha.

ISKCON Kolkata Celebrations

The 53rd edition of the Rath Yatra festival at ISKCON Kolkata will also begin tomorrow, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada Maharaj. ISKCON Vice President Radharam Das highlighted the special design of the chariots, including the newly installed wheels for Baldev ji’s chariot. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the Rath Yatra at the ISKCON temple near Minto Park.