Puri, June 22, (Newshub Desk): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting at Puri Town Hall today to ensure meticulous preparations for the world-renowned Rath Yatra 2025.
Emphasising an incident-free festival, the CM underscored the administration’s commitment to providing a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching experience for millions of devotees converging in Puri.
The annual Rath Yatra, a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage, is set to draw devotees from across the globe to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra’s grand procession.
Addressing officials, sebayats, and stakeholders, CM Majhi stressed that the smooth conduct of the festival is not merely a governmental duty but a sacred responsibility. “The Rath Yatra is a symbol of our rich cultural legacy, carrying the emotions of crores of devotees. We are fully prepared to ensure its flawless execution,” he affirmed.
Key Focus Areas: Safety, Health, and Discipline
During the meeting, the Chief Minister laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the festival’s management. Top priorities include:
Incident-Free Execution: CM Majhi directed the administration to ensure zero mishaps, with robust arrangements for police deployment, traffic management, and fire safety. “Discipline is paramount to allow devotees to participate in an orderly manner,” he noted.
Health and Hygiene: Amid concerns over diarrhoea outbreaks in some districts, the CM instructed the Health Department to maintain strict vigilance until the festival concludes with Sunabesha. He emphasised the availability of safe drinking water and hygienic food, urging authorities to prevent the sale of contaminated items.
Ritual Adherence: The CM sought the cooperation of sebayats to ensure that Lord Jagannath’s rituals (niti-kanti) are performed seamlessly and on schedule, preserving the festival’s sanctity.
Coordinated Efforts: Highlighting the collaborative spirit required, Majhi called for synergy among government departments, non-governmental organisations, and temple authorities to deliver a memorable Rath Yatra.
Ministerial and Administrative Inputs
The meeting saw detailed presentations from key officials. Law Minister Prithwiraj Harichandan outlined steps to ensure smooth festival operations, while Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling detailed the Health Department’s preparedness, including medical camps and emergency services. The Director General of Police provided insights into law and order arrangements, assuring robust security measures.
In a symbolic gesture, the CM, along with dignitaries, unveiled an information booklet prepared by the Puri district administration, outlining the festival’s logistics and guidelines.
Prominent Attendees
The review meeting was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Higher Education and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Puri MP Sambit Patra, Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, and temple sebayats. Shree Jagannath Temple’s Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, welcomed the attendees.
Post-Meeting Inspection
Following the meeting, CM Majhi visited the Gundicha Temple to inspect ongoing beautification and infrastructure upgrades, expressing satisfaction with the progress. These enhancements aim to elevate the devotees’ experience during the deities’ stay at the temple during the Rath Yatra.
A Cultural and Spiritual Spectacle
The Rath Yatra, one of the oldest and grandest chariot festivals in the world, holds profound significance for Odisha and its diaspora. The festival’s global appeal lies in its vibrant rituals, massive chariots, and the unifying spirit of devotion. With the administration’s meticulous planning, Rath Yatra 2025 promises to be a divine celebration, reinforcing Puri’s status as a global spiritual hub.
As preparations intensify, the CM’s vision of a safe, disciplined, and spiritually uplifting Rath Yatra sets the tone for an event that will resonate with devotees worldwide.
