Jagannath Yatra 2025: Large number of devotees assemble to celebrate Rath Yatra in Puri
The Rath Yatra has begun with devotees arriving at Puri's Jagannath Temple. A five-tiered security blanket has been put in place for Puri for the nine-day Rath Yatra celebration.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) June 27: At Puri's Jagannath Temple, a significant number of worshippers have assembled in excitement of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to start today. An important Hindu holiday observed yearly in Odisha is the Jagannath Rath Yatra, sometimes referred to as the Chariot Festival or the Shree Gundicha Yatra.
It is observed on Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the lunar month's Shukla Paksha, which is regarded as a spiritually favourable day because of the moon's growing brilliance.
PM Narendra Modi posted, "On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone's life. Jai Jagannath!” on social media platform X for wishing the devotees.
Millions of devotees have gathered for the renowned Ratha Yatra as Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra get ready to leave their home, the shrine from the 12th century, and go to Gundicha Temple for a nine-day journey.
The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Lord Subhadra Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan, respectively will be pulled by excited devotees for approximately three kilometres to the Gundicha Temple, which is said to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti.
BJP MP from Puri, Sambit Patra said "Since times immemorial, it is believed that Lord Jagannath himself resides here and from here, he runs the universe. After the 'Snana Purnima', traditionally, the Lord falls sick, and is treated. And today, he will set off for the Gundicha Temple, which is 3 km away. This is a beautiful tradition followed by the people of Odisha. The Lord himself steps out to give 'darshan' to his devotees.”
The state government's various departments have prepared extensively to guarantee a trouble-free and seamless Rath Yatra.
Puri’s Collector Sidharth Swain said, “We are fully prepared for the grand Rathayatra. All rituals and arrangements have been meticulously planned and will be carried out with equal dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration” in a statement regarding the safety measures.
A five-tiered security cover has been put in place for the nine-day Rath Yatra celebration in the holy city of Puri. For the Ratha Yatra, up to 200 police platoons and eight companies from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force and others have been stationed around the holy coastal town.
In the same manner, during this year's Ratha Yatra, some 10,000 members of the Odisha police, Central Armed Police Force and Home Guard have been stationed in Puri and the surrounding area.
Aadrika Tayal
