Odisha: Puri gears up for Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra amid heavy security

Odisha’s Puri Prepares for Bahuda Yatra with Enhanced Security Measures

Bharatmorningnews.com – Odisha – The coastal city of Puri in Odisha has intensified its security arrangements as it readies for the sacred Bahuda Yatra, also known as the return car festival, which is scheduled to take place on Friday. This significant religious event draws thousands of devotees from across India and abroad to witness the divine procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra as they journey back to their temple.

The Bahuda Yatra represents the second crucial phase of the annual Rath Yatra celebration. During this auspicious occasion, the three deities travel from the Gundicha Temple, located approximately 2.6 kilometers away, back to the historic 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The spiritual significance of this return journey cannot be overstated, as it marks the conclusion of the deities’ visit to their cousin’s residence.

Security Arrangements and Crowd Management

Authorities in Odisha have implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security framework for this year’s festival. “We have a multi-layered security arrangement for the festival as the number of devotees is increasing by the day. Our security and crowd management arrangements remain similar to the bandobast made during the Rath Yatra on July 16,” explained ADG Soumendra Priyadarshi, highlighting the systematic approach adopted by Odisha’s law enforcement agencies.

The security protocols have been further strengthened following a directive from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha. The chief minister emphasized the need for scientific crowd management and real-time information sharing with devotees. This enhanced approach comes in response to the crowd surge during the previous Rath Yatra, which tragically resulted in two devotees losing their lives and several others sustaining injuries.

“We are taking all possible measures to ensure the festival concludes smoothly,” stated DGP YB Khurania, expressing confidence in the preparedness of Odisha’s security forces.

During his review of preparations on Wednesday, the chief minister instructed the police department to continuously monitor crowd density throughout Puri. He also directed officials to integrate feeds from CCTV cameras with the Integrated Command and Control System, enabling a swift response to any untoward situation that may arise during the celebrations.

Additionally, the chief minister appealed to all devotees visiting Odisha to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by both the administration and the police. This cooperation is essential for maintaining order during the massive gathering expected at the sacred site.

Festival Preparations and Weather Forecast

Besides the deployment of over 13,000 personnel, including Central Armed Police Force personnel, more than 400 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been strategically installed across Puri for real-time surveillance and crowd monitoring. These technological advancements reflect Odisha’s commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all participants.

According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, ‘Pahandi’—the ceremonial procession of the deities to the chariots—is scheduled to begin at noon. “If the rituals are completed ahead of schedule by the grace of the Lord, the ‘Pahandi’ may commence earlier, as it did last year,” noted SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.

Following the ‘Pahandi’, Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, will perform the ceremonial ‘Chhera Pahanra’. After this traditional ritual, devotees will pull the three magnificent chariots towards the Jagannath Temple, marking the culmination of the Bahuda Yatra celebrations in Odisha.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cloudy skies over Puri, with humidity expected to remain between 80 and 90 per cent and the temperature hovering around 29-30 degrees Celsius. These weather conditions are considered favorable for the outdoor festivities planned across Odisha’s sacred coastal city.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.