Puri, July 13 (IANS) Extensive preparations are underway for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri, with the district administration putting in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the annual religious festival.

As part of the security and crowd management measures, around 200 Executive Magistrates have been deployed at different locations across the city.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said that the administration has made comprehensive arrangements for this year’s Rath Yatra, focussing on crowd control, security, essential services and the convenience of devotees arriving from across the country and abroad.

Speaking about the preparations, Collector Parida said, “For the Rath Yatra 2026, the administration has made extensive arrangements. One of the key measures this year is the deployment of additional Executive Magistrates, with around 200 Executive Magistrates stationed at various locations. The supply of drinking water has also been significantly enhanced this year in addition to drinking water facilities.”

The district administration has been working on multiple aspects of festival management, including regulating the movement of devotees, maintaining law and order, improving public amenities and ensuring that emergency services remain accessible throughout the event.

Meanwhile, the traditional craftsmanship associated with the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra continues to add to the spiritual and cultural splendour of the Rath Yatra. Intricate brass ornaments prepared by traditional artisans are being used to enhance the beauty and magnificence of the iconic chariots.

Sagar Sahu Kansari, a traditional brass artisan servitor associated with the Rath Yatra preparations, highlighted the importance of decorative elements used during the festival.

Explaining the significance of the colourful decorations on the chariots, Sagar Sahu said, “The decorative cloth used for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is like the attire of a bride. Once the cloth is placed on the chariots after their construction, they look beautiful and their grandeur shines…”

The Rath Yatra, one of the biggest religious festivals in Odisha, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The ceremonial pulling of the three majestic chariots through the streets of Puri is considered a major spiritual event, with devotees participating with deep faith and devotion.

With security personnel, administrative officials and service teams deployed in large numbers, the Puri administration is aiming to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims while preserving the traditional grandeur and sanctity of the annual festival.

–IANS

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