Devotees thronged the temple town of Odisha on Thursday to attend the annual Rath Yatra despite heavy rains and waterlogged streets after more than 200 mm of rain fell in Puri in the last 45 hours.
The authorities launched an unprecedented security and logistical operation for the 3 km long ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha temple on board towering wooden chariots.
About 12,000 security personnel have been deployed, including units of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), National Security Guard (NSG), counter-drone and anti-sniper units. The Coast Guard and Marine Police patrol the coast, while 473 CCTV cameras powered by artificial intelligence and linked to drone jamming systems monitored the festival through two integrated command and control centers.
The East Coast Railways has run special trains connecting Puri to major destinations across Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra to handle the increase in pilgrim traffic. At Puri railway station, authorities set up waiting facilities for about 30,000 passengers, installed 129 modular toilets, 68 showers, 65 drinking water kiosks and 10 chilled water kiosks, and deployed three medical centers with ambulances operating around the clock. Battery-powered vehicles and wheelchairs have been prepared for the elderly and people with disabilities.
To simplify the ticketing process, the railways opened 40 reservation counters, installed 12 automatic ticket vending machines and 32 mobile Unreserved Ticket System (UTS) machines, in addition to setting up additional ticket counters at 21 stations. Passenger demand will be continuously monitored and more special trains will be provided if necessary, railway officials said.
The state administration also created 36 parking zones across Puri, deployed over 500 lifeguards and fire service personnel along the beach, and kept 268 additional hospital beds ready. The SHGs were expected to distribute free meals to around 3.5 lakh devotees during the festival.
President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended felicitations on the occasion. In a post on X, Murmu said the Rath Yatra was a rare celebration that symbolizes the union of the deity with devotees and prays for peace and prosperity in the country. Modi also addressed X, where he said the festival reflects India’s enduring spiritual and cultural heritage, embodies humility, communal engagement and selfless service.
Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik unveiled a sand sculpture on Puri beach depicting Lord Jagannath and 100 miniature chariots. The artwork, created in collaboration with students of the Sudarsan Institute of Sand Arts, also paid tribute to the 15th century poet Saint Balaram Das, whose devotion to Lord Jagannath occupies a revered place in the festival tradition.
IMD officials said Puri received more than 200 mm rainfall during a 45-hour period that ended at 5.30 am on Thursday and they expect more rain, thunderstorms and lightning during the day.
