Puri Rath Yatra 2026 / CM Majhi Reviews Bahuda Yatra Preparations in Puri; Focus on Safety Measures

Bhubaneswar, Jul 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the Bahuda Yatra in Puri, directing officials to ensure foolproof crowd management and security arrangements ahead of the July 24 festival.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for scientific crowd density assessment and real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras integrated with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). He instructed officials to deploy automated alerts and swift intervention protocols to prevent congestion during key rituals such as Pahandi, chariot pulling, Dakshini Moda, and Adapa Mandapa Darshan.

ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha ଲୋକସେବା ଭବନରେ ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କ ବାହୁଡ଼ା ଯାତ୍ରା ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତି ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ସମୀକ୍ଷା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଭିଡ଼ ପରିଚାଳନା ଓ ସୂଚନା ସଞ୍ଚାର ଉପରେ ଅଧିକ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱ ଦେବାକୁ ଅଧିକାରୀମାନଙ୍କୁ ପରାମର୍ଶ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି। pic.twitter.com/BpNGhyiSjS

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) July 22, 2026

CM Majhi underscored that law and order must not be compromised at any stage of the festival, which draws lakhs of devotees from across the country. Senior police and administrative officers have been asked to remain on high alert, particularly during the chariot procession and darshan.

The Chief Minister also appealed to devotees to strictly follow guidelines issued by the police and district administration. “Public cooperation is essential for smooth conduct of the Bahuda Yatra,” he said.

The review comes in the wake of two deaths and several cases of illness reported during the Rath Yatra on July 16. Expressing grief over the incidents, CM Majhi announced financial assistance of Rs10 lakh each to the bereaved families.
Also Read: Puri Municipal Corporation Undertakes Massive Civic Mobilisation For Rath Yatra 2026

The Bahuda Yatra, marking the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple, will be held on July 24. It will be followed by the Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on July 25, expected to attract over 10 lakh devotees, and Niladri Bije on July 27, which concludes the annual Rath Yatra festivities.

Officials acknowledged challenges posed by weather conditions, including intermittent rainfall and humidity, but assured that arrangements for medical aid, evacuation corridors, and volunteer support are in place.