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New Indian Express
27 minutes ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Bhubaneswar gears up for Rath Yatra
BHUBANESWAR: Preparations for the grand Rath Yatra entered final phase in the state capital with Jagannath temples across the city gearing up to ensure smooth conduct of the annual chariot festival on Friday. Organisers at Iskcon temple in Nayapalli, that hosts one of the major Rath Yatras in the city, said they are anticipating a turnout of nearly 2 lakh devotees this year. Iskcon spokesperson Radhakanta Das said, 'The Pahandi ritual will take place at around 10.30 am, while pulling of the chariots will begin at around 3 pm after completion of Chhera Pahanra at around 2 pm.' Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said Rath Yatra will be celebrated at 58 places in the city this year with Iskcon and Shrivani Kshetra at KISS being two major locations. 'Around 17 platoons of police force and 100 officers will be deployed in the city for smooth conduct of the festival. We have also formulated two operational plans for Rath Yatra celebrations at Iskcon and other places within the Bhubanewar Urban Police District (UPD),' he said. The Commissionerate Police has also issued a traffic advisory, restricting movement of heavy vehicles on Nayapalli, fire station, CRP square, Unit VIII and a few other stretches from 3 pm onwards. This, however, will not affect the emergency services, police sources said. Meanwhile, in wake of the recent outbreak of water-borne diseases in the city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formed special enforcement squads and food inspection teams to oversee arrangements and sale of food items at crowded places during the festival. All set 17 platoons of police force and 100 officers to be deployed Vehicular movement to be restricted at key locations 3 pm onwards Emergency services to remain unaffected BMC to mobilise special enforcement squads and food safety teams to oversee sale of food
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
City to mirror Puri Rath Yatra grandeur
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Temple City Bhubaneswar is all set to celebrate the annual nine-day Rath Yatra with great pomp and devotion starting Friday. Thousands of devotees are expected to take part in chariot pulling at different places. Altogether 54 large and small chariots will roll, including that of ISKCON in Nayapalli, KISS campus, RCM campus, VSS Nagar, Vani Vihar, Rental Colony, Jagamara, Kolathia, Siripur, Baramunda, Old Town, and other localities where Jagannath temples are located. "We are expecting about 3 to 4 lakh devotees to throng the Rath Yatra celebrations and participate in chariot pulling on Friday. The govt authorities, including police, BMC, fire personnel, health department, and other line departments, have assured to provide all support for the smooth conduct of the festival," said Radhakanta Das, spokesperson of ISKCON temple at Nayapalli, one of the major crowd pullers in the city. To ensure smooth conduct of the festival, the commissionerate police has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements across the city. "Over 17 platoons of police force will be deployed across key chariot procession points. We are coordinating with temple committees to ensure the rituals go smoothly, while also maintaining law and order," said a senior police officer. Barricades have been put up in areas expecting heavy footfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60 m² Prefab Bungalow for Seniors in Baguio Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Traffic diversions and no-parking zones have been notified near major chariot routes. Quick Response Teams (QRTs), anti-sabotage squads, and CCTV surveillance have also been put in place, police said. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken up sanitation, drinking water supply, and temporary toilet arrangements. "We want the devotees to have a comfortable and safe darshan experience. Special focus is on cleanliness and hygiene, considering the monsoon," said mayor Sulochana Das. The chariots will be pulled amidst colourful processions accompanied by troupes of various folk dance, music, and sankirtan performers. For many residents, the local Rath Yatra is a cherished spiritual tradition. "I have been pulling the chariot in our locality for over 15 years. It's not just a festival, but an important community gathering," said Radhakanta Das, 65, a resident of VSS Nagar. At several temples, the chariot of goddess Subhadra will be pulled exclusively by women devotees. Volunteers have been engaged for crowd management and smooth conduct of the festival across the city. Cultural programmes, bhajan sessions, and community feasts and prasad distribution are also being organised by local committees to add to the festive spirit.
