The one-of-a-kind Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, will begin on Sunday, July 7. According to reports, President Droupadi Murmu will be attending the annual festival. This annual festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Celebrated along with His siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, it attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.
President Murmu To Visit Rath Yatra, PM Extends Wishes
ପବିତ୍ର ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ନିମନ୍ତେ ପରମ୍ପରା ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ତିନି ନବ ନିର୍ମିତ ରଥର ପ୍ରତିଷ୍ଠା ପୂଜା ସମ୍ପନ୍ନ ହୋଇଛି । #RathaYatra2024 #JaiJagannatha pic.twitter.com/2SJasIwbXH
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 7, 2024
The Rath Yatra dates back several centuries and is deeply embedded in Odisha. The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be the birthplace of the deities’ aunt. There are three chariots: Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalan for Subhadra. They are meticulously crafted every year and are the focal points of the procession. Due to astronomical arrangements, this year’s Rath Yatra, which is typically conducted in a single day, will take place across two days.
On Sunday, thousands of devotees will begin the yatra, including President Droupadi Murmu. President Murmu is from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. As a result, the newly elected state government has put in place extraordinary measures. With the start of the national celebration of Jagannath Rath Yatra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the people of the country.
Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that His blessings constantly remain upon us. pic.twitter.com/lMI170gQV2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2024
According to the Rath Yatra schedule in Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb will perform Chherapahanra of the chariots at 4 p.m. After the wooden horses are attached to the chariots, the pulling will begin at 5 p.m.
Also Read: This Year At The Jagannath Rath Yatra The Rath Will Be Pulled Twice; All About The Rare Occurrence
Odisha Police To Even Use AI To Manage Traffic
Given the massive influx of devotees, managing the crowd and ensuring smooth traffic flow is a colossal task. For the 2024 Rath Yatra, the Odisha Police will leverage artificial intelligence to tackle these challenges. AI technologies will be employed to enhance the overall safety and management of the event.
The three "Rathas" are eagerly waiting for the arrival of the deities. pic.twitter.com/jsRiWcvfWK
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) July 7, 2024
There will be AI-based CCTV coverage. Along with AI amalgamated with the CCTV system, there will be a drone system to identify the blind spots and identify the jam areas. Drones are used along with the PA (Public address) system as there are 4-5 identified spots every year where normally huge traffic jams happen. This can help assist the police officers.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 promises to be a remarkable event as millions of devotees gather to celebrate the divine journey of Lord Jagannath.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
First Published: July 07, 2024 1:56 PM