Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Highlights: Lakhs of devotees have gathered at holy town of Puri in Odisha to take part in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra on Friday. In the wake of mass gatherings, the state government has made elaborate arrangements.
It is estimated that about one lakh people reached pilgrim town of Puri by Thursday evening, and the number increased manifold this morning. Like every year, devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to participate in the event.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said “all arrangements are in place to make the mega event successful.”
Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the auspicious occasion of chariot pulling festival. Several BJP leaders also gathered at Puri Jagannath Temple at the holy rituals began.
As a massive crowd participated in the auspicious Hindu festival on Friday, security has been heightened across the town to ensure a smooth flow of events. As many as 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed in the pilgrim town. AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance. Besides, Odisha DGP Y B Khurania has said that the National Security Guard (NSG) snipers will take positions on rooftops along Grand Road in front of the temple.