India’s ancient Jagannath Rath Yatra begins with giant chariots, millions of devotees and tight security at Puri

Puri has come alive with chants, rituals and the arrival of lakhs of devotees as the city prepares for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, one of the biggest religious gatherings in India.

The Odisha government has put in place a massive security plan to ensure the festival passes off peacefully, especially after a deadly crowd crush during last year’s procession claimed three lives.

The nine-day festival begins today, with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra set to leave the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple on three enormous wooden chariots.

13,000 personnel deployed across Puri

Around 13,000 security personnel have been deployed across the temple town to manage the massive crowds expected during the procession.

More from India

The security arrangements include 15 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and specialised NSG commandos.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania said security measures have been divided into three key areas — land, air and water.

On the ground, police teams, barricades and Quick Response Teams have been positioned along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), where thousands of devotees will pull the chariots.

Drones and anti-drone systems will keep a close watch from the skies, helping authorities track crowd movement and identify overcrowded areas.

Along the coastline, the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Odisha Police Maritime units have been deployed, with around 500 lifeguards stationed at beaches to respond to emergencies.

CCTV monitoring and traffic restrictions

Authorities have created four traffic zones across Puri and prepared 30 parking areas to prevent congestion around the temple and procession route.

More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed across the city, with officials monitoring live feeds from an Integrated Command and Control Centre.

The system will help track crowd density, manage movement and allow quick action in case of emergencies.

Rain forecast fails to dampen celebrations

Heavy rain warnings have failed to affect the enthusiasm of devotees arriving from different parts of India and abroad.

The three grand chariots — Nandighosha of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra — have been placed near the Singhadwara or Lion’s Gate of the temple ahead of the procession.

Puri Collector DJ Parida said special measures have been taken to deal with possible rainfall during the event.

“Special arrangements, including high-powered pumps, have been set up along the Grand Road to instantly drain out rainwater and prevent any slipping hazards as the public pulls the chariots,” Parida told PTI.

Traditional rituals to begin before chariot pulling

The day’s main ceremonies will begin with the Pahandi ritual, during which the three deities are carried out of the temple in a ceremonial procession.

This will be followed by the Chhera Pahara ritual, where the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom. The ritual represents humility and the belief that everyone is equal before the divine.

The much-awaited chariot pulling by thousands of devotees is scheduled to begin at 4 pm IST.

Chief Minister monitors preparations

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with senior ministers and officials, is in Puri to oversee arrangements and ensure coordination between different government agencies.

With lakhs of devotees expected to participate, authorities are hoping to balance the centuries-old tradition of the Rath Yatra with modern crowd management and security measures.