Bhubaneswar: Stressing that every ritual and festival associated with Lord Jagannath is deeply linked to the emotions of Odias and devotees worldwide, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday called for coordinated efforts to ensure the smooth and disciplined conduct of this year’s Rath Yatra and allied festivals in Puri.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the State Guest House here, the Minister said the successful management of Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Adapa Mandapa Bije, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Adharapana and Niladri Bije up to the final return ceremony remains a major collective responsibility.
Harichandan said active cooperation among all departments of the State Government, district administration, police, Daitapati Nijog, servitors, various nijogs and the general public is essential for the seamless organisation of the annual car festival.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri district administration, Puri police, Daitapati Nijog and other concerned organisations.
Discussions focused on adherence to ritual schedules and timings for Pahandi, Rath Tana (chariot pulling) and Adapa Mandapa Bije, besides orderly darshan arrangements, security measures, crowd management and special barricading at sensitive locations.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for devotees’ amenities and emphasised advance dissemination of ritual schedules and awareness among servitors, nijog members and police personnel regarding their assigned responsibilities during the festival period.
Chief Administrator of SJTA Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee informed the meeting about preparations undertaken by the temple administration, including procurement of wood for chariot construction, ropes, chariot cloth and other ritual materials such as incense and sandalwood.
Among others present were Law Department Principal Secretary Dr. Pavitra Mohan Samal, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, Daitapati Nijog President Ganesh Das Mahapatra, General Secretary Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, senior officials of the Law Department and Puri district administration, and members of the Daitapati Nijog.
