Puri: In the wake of a tragic stampede that claimed three lives on June 29, security has been significantly ramped up in Puri for the ‘Bahuda Yatra’, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra to the main temple. The grand procession, scheduled for Saturday, marks the conclusion of the annual Rath Yatra festivities.
Officials confirmed that over 6,000 Odisha police officers and 800 personnel from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed across the temple town to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure a smooth conduct of the event.
Anticipating a massive turnout due to favourable weather, the administration has also implemented special traffic management plans to regulate the movement of devotees and vehicles.
To enhance surveillance, 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed throughout key areas in the city, officials said.
“We have taken all possible measures to ensure the festival concludes smoothly and safely,” said Odisha DGP Y B Khurania, who is currently stationed in Puri with senior officers to oversee the arrangements.
According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the revered ‘Pahandi’ ritual – the ceremonial procession of the deities from the Gundicha Temple to their respective chariots – will commence at 12 pm.
Later in the afternoon, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, will perform the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ (sweeping of the chariots), a symbolic act of humility and devotion, between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
The chariot-pulling will begin at 4 pm, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country.
The security measures come just days after the stampede-like situation near the Gundicha Temple led to the deaths of three pilgrims and injured several others. The incident cast a shadow over the celebrations and prompted swift action by authorities to tighten safety protocols for the remainder of the festival.
As one of the most revered events in Odisha’s cultural and religious calendar, the Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees annually, and the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ is its emotional and spiritual culmination.
