Jagannath rath yatra 2024 commences in Puri, President Murmu to attend two-day festival

The highly anticipated two-day Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is set to begin on Sunday, July 7, 2024. This year’s event, attended by President Droupadi Murmu, will attract lakhs of devotees. The Rath Yatra, typically a one-day event, will span two days this year due to rare celestial arrangements, a phenomenon last witnessed in 1971.

Special Arrangements for President Murmu’s Visit

In light of President Murmu’s participation and her Mayurbhanj roots, the newly elected Odisha government has made special arrangements to ensure the festival runs smoothly. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared a public holiday on July 7 and 8 to mark the event. The chariots, stationed in front of the Lion's Gate of the Jagannath Temple, are ready for the journey to the Gundicha Temple, where they will stay for a week. Devotees are set to pull the chariots on Sunday afternoon.

Unique Aspects of This Year's Rath Yatra

Departing from traditional practices, this year’s Rath Yatra will see several rituals involving the three sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra—performed on a single day. The Rath Yatra and associated rituals, such as ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ and ‘Netra Utsav,’ will all occur on July 7. Typically conducted before the Rath Yatra, ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ reveals the youthful appearance of the deities after their 15-day ‘Anasara’ (quarantine) following ‘Snana Purnima.’ During ‘Netra Utsav,’ priests freshly paint the deities' eyeballs.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is as ancient as the Jagannath Temple itself. It marks the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi's Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days. The festival spans from Akshaya Tritiya in April and ends with the Holy Trinity's return to the Shree Mandir premises.

Extensive Arrangements by Odisha Government

To ensure the festival’s smooth conduct, the state government has implemented extensive arrangements. “With cooperation from all stakeholders, all the rituals are proceeding smoothly. With Lord Jagannath's blessings, all other rituals will also follow the schedule,” said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain. Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Pinak Mishra mentioned that 180 platoons of security forces from state and central governments are deployed to manage law and order and crowd control during the festival.

A green corridor has been set up for quick transportation of any ill attendees to the hospital. Artificial Intelligence-based CCTV cameras have been installed at Badadanda, the festival venue, and other key locations, according to ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar.

Special Security for President’s Visit

Special security measures are in place for President Murmu’s visit. A VIP zone is designated for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers, and other dignitaries, while a buffer zone is reserved for the President. A dedicated team led by a senior SP rank officer will oversee the President’s visit. With an expected crowd of 10 to 15 lakh people, the fire service department has made necessary arrangements. DG, fire service, Sudhanshu Sarangi, stated that 46 modern fire tenders are stationed throughout the town and along the sea beach for the Rath Yatra. Additionally, water will be sprinkled on the crowd to combat the anticipated hot and humid weather.