Puri, Odisha | July 16, 2026
PURI: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 begins today in the holy city of Puri, where millions of devotees from India and around the world are expected to witness one of Hinduism’s most revered religious festivals. Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, will begin the annual chariot procession from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The three elaborately decorated chariots have been completed and positioned on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), ready for the ceremonial procession that symbolizes the deities’ annual journey to their aunt’s temple.
Three Grand Chariots Ready for the Sacred Procession
According to officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the construction and decoration of all three traditional wooden chariots have been completed.
The chariots are:
- Taladhwaja – Chariot of Lord Balabhadra
- Darpadalana – Chariot of Goddess Subhadra
- Nandighosha – Chariot of Lord Jagannath
Following the traditional Agyan Mala (garland of permission) ritual from the deities, the chariots were ceremonially moved to the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) of the Jagannath Temple, where they now await the start of the procession.
Millions of Devotees Expected
The annual Rath Yatra is one of India’s largest religious gatherings, attracting pilgrims, tourists, and devotees from across the globe.
Thousands of devotees will participate in the sacred tradition of pulling the giant wooden chariots along the Grand Road, a ritual regarded as highly auspicious in Hindu belief.
The festival is also broadcast worldwide, allowing millions more to witness the celebrations virtually.
Extensive Security Arrangements in Place
Authorities have implemented a multi-layered security plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
According to Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, security deployment includes:
- 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), comprising approximately 1,500 personnel
- Around 13,000 Odisha Police personnel
- Commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG)
- Personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF)
- Units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF)
Officials said security personnel have already been deployed throughout the temple town and along the procession route.
Drone Surveillance and Coastal Security Enhanced
Odisha Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania said authorities have introduced an advanced multi-layered security system for this year’s festival.
The plan includes:
- Continuous drone surveillance
- Anti-drone systems to monitor aerial activity
- Enhanced crowd management
- Traffic regulation measures
- Emergency response teams positioned across the city
Officials said these measures are intended to improve public safety during the large-scale religious gathering.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard on Alert
Security has also been strengthened along Odisha’s coastline.
Authorities confirmed that:
- The Indian Navy
- The Indian Coast Guard
- Odisha Marine Police
are conducting coordinated maritime patrols throughout the festival period.
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed aboard patrol vessels to respond to any emergency situations.
In addition, approximately 500 lifeguards have been stationed along Puri Beach to assist pilgrims and tourists visiting the coastal city.
Spiritual Significance of Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and most significant festivals in Hindu tradition.
During the annual procession, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra travel from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for several days before returning during the Bahuda Yatra.
The festival symbolizes divine accessibility, as devotees from every community and background are given an opportunity to have darshan of the deities outside the temple premises.
The act of pulling the sacred chariots is traditionally regarded as an expression of devotion and is believed by many devotees to bring spiritual blessings.
Authorities Appeal for Cooperation
Officials have urged pilgrims to:
- Follow designated entry and exit routes.
- Cooperate with security personnel.
- Follow traffic advisories.
- Stay hydrated due to large crowds.
- Use official emergency assistance points if needed.
Authorities have also advised devotees to remain alert and follow public announcements throughout the festival.
