Puri, Jul 13: The pilgrim town of Puri is in full readiness for the annual Rath Yatra, with elaborate security and administrative arrangements coinciding with the completion of Lord Jagannath’s secret rituals inside the temple. As the divine “Khalilagi” ritual was performed on Monday, the deities will appear in resplendent form tomorrow for the much-awaited Nabajouban Darshan, officials said.

On the Grand Road, Odisha Police, ODRAF, NDRF and Fire services personnel conducted extensive mock drills to ensure smooth management of the massive crowd expected during the Rath Yatra. Symbolic jeeps were decorated to resemble the three chariots — Taladhwaja, Darpadalana and Nandighosha — as officials demonstrated cordon management, clearance teams and command signals for pulling the chariots in an orderly manner.

Rescue drills were also staged along the Puri beach, with lifeguards and fire personnel simulating emergency evacuations of devotees and tourists. ODRAF and NDRF teams rehearsed responses to sudden illness, building collapse and other contingencies during the festival. Fire services showcased equipment at Saradhabali, while volunteers demonstrated the free-flow green corridor for ambulances and emergency vehicles.

The Integrated Command and Control Centre has been fully activated, with 473 temporary CCTV cameras installed across the town. For the first time, an on-site control room has been set up at Shri Gundicha temple. Real-time monitoring of traffic, temple security, VIP movement and crowd management will be coordinated through multiple VHF channels.
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Meanwhile, inside the Srimandir, the deities underwent the Khalilagi ritual today, marking the final stage of recovery after the Snana Yatra. Tomorrow, devotees will witness the rare Nabajouban Darshan, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra appear in youthful splendour. The darshan will be available only for a few hours in the afternoon, with entry restricted through the Singhadwar.

Chief Minister’s principal advisor Prakash Mishra reviewed the arrangements, while servitors said that all rituals are proceeding as per tradition. With lakhs of devotees expected, authorities emphasised discipline, safety and devotion as the guiding principles of this year’s Rath Yatra.