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Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 (Img: Pinterest)
Puri: Odisha's Puri for the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's largest and most religious festivals, will be commenced on Thursday in Puri.
Puri's Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees from across the country to witness the grand annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
The centuries-old festival holds immense religious importance as it is the only occasion when the presiding deities of the Jagannath Temple leave the sanctum and travel through the streets of Puri, allowing devotees from all walks of life to seek their blessings.
During the Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra are ceremonially placed on three magnificently decorated wooden chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees amid chants, devotional songs.
The Yatra marks the sacred journey of the sibling deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where, according to tradition, they visit their maternal aunt.
To facilitate the vsist of pilgrims travelling to Puri, Indian Railways has also announced the operation of special train services on multiple routes during the festival period.
In the meantime, the Police have put in place great traffic arrangements, keeping in view the movement of vehicles visiting Puri to ensure smooth traffic movement.
The government have installed 595 permanent and 1,050 temporary signages for public convenience with the help of the state police.
According to reports, more than 13,000 police personnel, along with an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed for security arrangements during the nine day yatra.
