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Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SJTA to draw up SOP for smooth ‘Pahandi'
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to draw an SOP to ensure smooth execution of 'Pahandi', a crucial ritual during Rath Yatra where idols are escorted to and from chariots. This decision follows an unfortunate incident from July 9, 2024, when Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped from servitors' grasp during transfer from the chariot to Gundicha temple, two days after Rath Yatra. During a high-level meeting in Puri, the govt instructed SJTA to establish robust measures preventing similar incidents. "We will create separate Pahandi teams for each chariot, with SJTA determining the team sizes. A govt official will oversee each team, and measures will be taken to control crowds near the idols during Pahandi," said chief administrator Arabinda Padhee. The 'Pahandi' ritual is performed by servitors during Rath Yatra when giant wooden idols are taken from Jagannath temple to the chariots; again during their transfer to Gundicha temple, and during Bahuda Yatra and Neeladri Bije when returning to the sanctum sanctorum. Previous year's arrangements specified personnel limits: Taladhwaja chariot (Lord Balabhadra) - 74 people, including 60 servitors and staff plus along with 14 ghantuas (who beat cymbals); Darpadalana chariot (Devi Subhadra) - 62 people, including 50 servitors and staff, and 12 ghantuas; Nandighosh chariot (Lord Jagannath) - 86 people, including 70 servitors and staff, and 16 ghantuas. "The implementation failed as servitors exceeded prescribed numbers during Pahandi, resulting in the incident with Lord Balabhadra's idol," a temple official said. At the meeting, the govt has approved this year's Rath Yatra schedule for June 27: Mangala Alati ceremony at 6 am, followed by Rath Pratishtha rituals until 9 am. Pahandi procession usually takes place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The 'chhera pahanra', where the King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb performs ceremonial sweeping of chariots, takes place between 2:30 pm and 3 pm, with chariot pulling starting at 4 pm. "Like the previous year, we will impose ban on use of mobile phones on chariots. Servitors cannot use mobile phones on chariots. Only a handful of duty-bound servitors will be allowed to board the chariots. Police cases will be registered against violators," Padhee said.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Puri police launch community engagement for smooth Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Puri police initiated a community engagement programme to ensure smooth conduct of the state's largest annual festival, Rath Yatra , scheduled for June 27. Police officials led by SP Vinit Agrawal are conducting visits to various 'sahis' (lanes and by-lanes), engaging with residents to foster emphasise that local support is crucial for successful execution of the festival. "Objective of the extensive community outreach initiative is to ensure seamless coordination between law enforcement and local residents," the SP told interactions between law enforcement and residents, discussions centred on traffic management , auto-rickshaw movement restrictions, and ways to enhance community involvement. Residents are being encouraged to assist with traffic control in their localities and act as local guides for visitors from other states and countries."Community participation is the cornerstone of successful crowd management during Rath Yatra. We are actively involving local residents in our preparation," Agrawal SP has directed officers to identify vulnerable and congested areas while developing detailed plans for managing devotee crowds. He stressed the necessity of collaboration between temple authorities, police forces and local inhabitants to ensure devotees' safety and spiritual discussions with hoteliers and transport associations are planned, according to the SP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "A detailed strategy addressing security, traffic control and crowd management is being developed to prevent any untoward incidents during the festival," he said."Huge numbers of devotees would throng Puri on important rituals like Nabajauban Darshan on June 26, Rath Yatra on June 27, Bahuda Yatra on July 5, Suna Besha on July 6 and Neeladri Bije on July 8. We will be ready with a foolproof security bandobast soon," another police official Monday, DGP Y B Khurania and his team assessed Rath Yatra security arrangements in Puri, considering Indo-Pak border tensions. The DGP instructed officers to maintain heightened vigilance and confirmed that RAF and CRPF personnel would supplement state security during the officers have received specific assignments regarding law enforcement, traffic control and crowd management. Intelligence teams have been established to prevent potential disruptive activities.
