Odisha Govt To Take ‘Tough’ Steps For Smooth Conduct Of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra In Puri: Law Minister

Puri: The Odisha government will take all necessary steps to ensure smooth conduct of Rath Yatra in a disciplined manner in the pilgrim town of Puri, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Wednesday.

The Law Minister, who chaired the second coordination meeting ahead of the annual festival, said some hard decisions will be taken, if necessary, to ensure smooth conduct of Rath Yatra of the sibling deities of Shree Jagannath Temple.

Stating that Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has already decided the ritual schedule for ensuing Rath Yatra on July 7, he said arrangements will be made accordingly to ensure that the festival is conducted in a disciplined way.

“Some hard decisions will be taken, if needed, to ensure that all rituals are performed as per schedule,” the Law Minister said, adding that pulling of chariots will be done as per schedule.

Stating that the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath would be ready in time, he said sufficient quantity of wood is available. If needed, more wood would be procured, he said.

The Minister further said that the state government is keen to develop Puri as an international pilgrim centre. Claiming that the pilgrim town of Puri was neglected for a long time, Harichandan said, “Our govt committed to take all necessary steps to again make Puri a global pilgrim centre.”

On the opening of Ratna Bhandar of the 12th century shrine, the Minister said a decision in this regard will be taken very soon and people will come to know about it in a day or two.