Jagannath Rath Yatra gets under way in Puri 

The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—got underway on Friday (June 27, 2025), with lakhs of devotees thronging the coastal town of Puri to catch a glimpse of the deities on their majestic chariots.

Several layers of security were put in place in Puri in order to ensure that one of the biggest religious congregations in India passes without any untoward incident. More than 200 platoons of the State police force and five companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed for crowd control, controlling vehicular movement and thwarting attempts of sabotage. Besides, AI-enabled CCTV cameras were also installed to supplement the security arrangement.

Several hospitalised due to stampede like situations

The journey of sibling deities remained incomplete as temple rituals do not allow rolling chariots after Sunset. Around 600 devotees were hospitalised due to heat exhaustion and stampede like situations, said Pruthviraj Harichandan, State Law Minister. Rolling of chariots will resume tomorrow.

Devotees had arrived Puri since Thursday and from earlier this morning they had occupied vantage positions to have glimpse of siblings.

Once in year, deities were brought out of sanctum of sanctorum of 12^th century Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri so that as per legends those considered sinners or deemed untouchable — who are generally prohibited from entering the temple — are granted the rare opportunity to behold Lord Jagannath as the deities ride in their chariots, a moment believed to offer the grace of salvation.

Since wee hours of Friday, sevayats, traditional priests in Jagannath Temple, conducted some complex rituals during which no outsiders were allowed. In a rhythmic procession, large idols emerged from temple amidst chants of ‘Haribol’  and sound of conch shells blown by thousands of devotees gathered outside. Idols of deities were taken to their respective chariots one after another.

Subsequently, as per tradition Puri’s titular King, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, carried out his ceremonial duty of sweeping the wooden chariot platforms with a golden broom. Chariots were pulled by security personnel while devotees were trying to touch holy rope.

The three-kilometre long road, known as Bada Danda (Grand Road) connecting Shree Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple, considered abode of aunt of deities, were occupied by devotees. Under watchful eyes of security personnel, the chariots decorated with colourful clothes were pulled in the afternoon.  

Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and ministerial colleagues, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries witnessed grand spectacle.  Deities will get worshipped at Gundicha Tempe for seven days. On ninth day, chariots will return to Shree Jagannath Temple.