Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has extended a heartfelt welcome to the devotees and pilgrims flocking to Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, set to commence on June 27th. The CM emphasized the significance of the event, inviting all to witness the deities atop the three chariots and maintain discipline while participating. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, currently recovering from a spine surgery, also shared a video message, conveying his warm wishes for the festival. Preparations are in full swing, with the Puri administration and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) ensuring a smooth and safe conduct of the event. Elaborate security measures, including the presence of NSG, have been implemented. The Nabajouban Darshan of the deities was held, and the rituals for the main day, including Mangal Arpan and the Pahandi ritual, are scheduled. The chariot pulling will commence at around 4 pm. The police are anticipating a large gathering and have implemented crowd management and traffic facilitation measures, with surveillance teams and anti-drone teams in place to ensure a secure environment.
