Puri’s Ratha Jatra: A Congregation of Millions and Elaborate Security Measures, Yatra begins
Religious Fervor and Cultural Significance Shine at the 146th Jagannath Rath Yatra
20-06-2023: The commencement of the 146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad, Gujarat marked a momentous occasion for devotees. The procession spanned an 18-kilometer route through the city, captivating a large gathering of devotees eagerly anticipating a glimpse of the revered deity.
To ensure the orderly and secure execution of the Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Police implemented a series of measures. Employing 3D mapping technology for the first time in the event’s history, they closely monitored the entire route. Additionally, anti-drone technology was deployed to prevent the unauthorized use of drones during the procession, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.
The Rath Yatra commenced following the symbolic ‘Pahind Vidhi’ performed by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This ritual involved sweeping the path for the chariots using a golden broom. Subsequently, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra embarked on the yatra from the historic Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also graced the event, participating in the auspicious ‘mangla aarti’ paying homage to the deity.
In addition to the chariots, the procession showcased nearly 15 adorned elephants, 100 trucks adorned with tableaux, and various singing troupes. According to the Hindu calendar, the Rath Yatra holds great religious significance and occurs annually on the second day of the Ashad month. The procession traversed through different parts of the city, including areas known for communal sensitivities such as Jamalpur, Kalupur, Shahpur, and Dariyapur, before culminating at the Jagannath Temple by 8:30 pm on Tuesday.
To ensure the security and orderliness of the Rath Yatra, over 26,000 personnel were deployed along the 18-kilometer route. This deployment comprised city police, Home Guards, State Reserve Police, and paramilitary forces. Their presence aimed to prevent any untoward incidents and facilitate the smooth flow of the event, providing a sense of reassurance to the devotees.
Meanwhile, in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha, thousands of devotees had congregated for Lord Jagannath’s annual Ratha Jatra. The Odisha government had made elaborate arrangements for the event, deploying 180 platoons of security forces, with each platoon consisting of 30 personnel. Additionally, 125 special trains were scheduled to transport devotees to Puri during the festival. To enhance security and surveillance, an extensive network of CCTV cameras, complemented by drone cameras, was utilized.
Ranjan Kumar Das, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), estimated that around one million people would gather in Puri on Tuesday. During the Ratha Jatra, devotees fervently pulled the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath to the Shree Gundicha Temple. To address the hot and humid weather conditions, the state government made comprehensive arrangements, including volunteers sprinkling water on devotees and establishing a green corridor to address any health emergencies that may arise.
Overall, both the Rath Yatras in Ahmedabad and Puri drew a substantial number of devotees, underscoring the deep religious fervor and devotion associated with this annual event. The meticulous planning, comprehensive security measures, and enthusiastic participation of devotees contributed to the successful execution of these grand processions, which hold immense cultural and religious significance in India.
