Jagganath Rathyatra begins in Puri today

Puri, the coastal city of Orissa, is all set to host the 7-day world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, commencing from Wednesday.

The millennia-old annual festival is considered as one of the world's longest surviving holy celebration. More than 10 lakh pilgrims are likely to throng to Puri to watch Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra being pulled along the Grand Road on their respective chariots, the Nandighosa, Devidalana and Taladhwaja.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.

Thousands of policemen and paramilitary personnel patrol the streets in Puri town to ensure the safety to devotees thronged, to witness the annual rathyatra procession.

 

Puri being a coastal city on the Bay of Bengal, the Orissa Police has requested the Coast Guard to remain vigilant on the long coast line of Orissa for any terror attack from the sea. It has also deputed 81 platoons of security personnel and two companies of Rapid Action Force for any kind of law and order situation during the Rath Yatra.

 

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had held a high-level meeting at Puri recently to review the arrangements for this grand religious festival. 

The Indian Railways has also announced to run 66 trains during Rath Yatra for the better convenience of the tourists.

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By :  News Team