Odisha CM Reviews Rath Yatra Preparations; Law Minister Talks On Heavy Rush At Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday reviewed preparations for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra of the Lords of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri at State Guest House in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking to the media, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who was present in the meeting, said that the CM was briefed about the ongoing preparations by Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, DGP Arun Sarangi and Director, Intelligence, Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi. “Further discussions will be held with servitors and all stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of the rituals. The Odisha government is committed to upholding the tradition and Jagannath culture,” he said.

On the heavy rush of devotees at shrine, the Law Minister said, “There is no problem. It is not proper to examine every issue as a critic. The unexpected rush was due to continuous 3-day holiday. It was manageable. Rituals are being performed as per the schedule. Everybody should cooperate and things will become more streamlined in the coming days.”

Notably, devotees will get an opportunity to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra twice during Rath Yatra on July 7-8 this year. Anasara period will be of 13 days instead of the usual 15 days after Snana Purima on June 22 and will end on June 6. Both Nabajaubana Darshan and Rath Yatra are also falling on the same day (July 7). The chariots will be pulled for a short distance on July 7 for the sake of ritual and three deities will be taken to the Shree Gundicha temple on July 8.

Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra: Snana Purnima On June 22; No Nabajaubana Darshan, Chariots To Be Pulled Over 2 Days