Jun 20, 2023
By: Katya Naidu
The annual procession of Lord Jagannath has started in the temple town of Puri, Odisha. As part of the yatra, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will go on an 18 kilometer procession in their respective chariots.
Credit: BCCL
Lord Balabhadra will lead the procession, followed by Goddess Subhadra. Lord Jagannath will ride in his own chariot Nandighosa in the end.
Credit: BCCL
The Pahandi ritual of the procession starts in the morning when the chariot moves step-by-step with the devotees. After fixing wooden horses to the chariots, the physical pulling of chariots is scheduled to start in late afternoon.
Credit: BCCL
Like every year, lakhs of devotees have already reached Puri to witness the journey of the Gods.
Credit: BCCL
Since it coincides with a long summer, the Odisha government has prepared for the heat wave conditions by arranging for water sprinkling by fire service personnel. It claims to have provided sufficient drinking water facilities with officials personally distributing water bottles to the devotees.
Credit: BCCL
To control the crowd, the government has made tight security arrangements and deployed 180 platoons of police personnel around the town.
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The city has deployed a Coast Guard helicopter at the beach for the first time. Interceptor boats stationed at Paradip are ready for any contingency till July 2, as per an IANS article
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The Indian Railways has installed face-recognition cameras on the railway platforms. Also, a large number of CCTV cameras, assisted by drone cameras, are connected to a number of control stations set up for the Rath Yatra.
Credit: BCCL
Apart from defining a few areas as no vehicle zones, special parking has been provided. The government has also made arrangements for shuttle services for devotees.
Credit: BCCL