Plan to attend the Rath Yatra at Puri? Here’s all you need to know

The annual buzz that echoes through Puri at the onset of monsoon, is back again with Ratha Yatra festival around the corner. Preparations are in full swing with authorities ensuring maximum safety for devotees. Here’s what to expect...
The auspicious bath
At day break on June 22, or Snana Purnima, lakhs of devotees gathered on the Grand Road, to witness the bathing ritual.As the sounds of conch shells reverberated through the temple, a their hands rose in praise of the Lord, chanting Jai Jagannath. The Niti Puja was followed by a procession of the deities to the podium, where they were bathed with fragrant water. Gajapati Divyasingha Deva IV. the king of Puri then performed the s Chhera Pahara, to reaffirm his humility and servitude to the deities. The Holy Trinity was then adorned with Gaja Besha, or elephant heagear.
Why is this year’s Ratha Yatra special?
For the first time in 53 years, the celebrations will span two days with the Nabajoubana Darshana and Netra Utsav coinciding with the main festival on July 7. The chariot pulling timings for July 8 is yet to be announced.

Safety measures
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force has promised the usage of water sprinklers to bring relief to devotees. The Tourism Development Corporation of Puri has come up with four information centres, while four ambulances will be stationed outside each of the temple gates. An additional ambulance will be there on the beach, managed by the CDMO’s office.
"68 platoon police forces including four SPs, 12 additional SPs, 22 DSPs, 60 inspectors and over 290 SIs were deployed to ensure a safe and smooth darshan on Snana Purnima" – Pinak Mishra, SP, Puri
Where to find the information centres?
Malatipatpur Bus Stand
Puri Railway Station
Temporary bus stand, Talabania
Gundicha Mandir, Grand Road
The tourism office in Puri will serve as
the central control room