Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department’s role during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, with senior officials outlining measures to strengthen information dissemination, media coordination and public outreach for the annual festival.
A preparatory meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma at Lok Seva Bhawan, discussed the department’s responsibilities for ensuring smooth communication and publicity during the world-famous chariot festival.
Sharma directed officials to make all necessary arrangements and maintain effective coordination for the event, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad.
As part of the preparations, the department will establish temporary Information Centres at key locations across Puri, including Singhadwara, Balagandi, Bada Shankha, Jagannath Ballava Math, Digabaruni, Gundicha Temple, Malatipatpur, Subhash Bose Chowk, Panth Bhawan, Talabania, Railway Station, Shree Danda, Matia Pada Chowk, Atharnala and the Jagannath Ballava parking area.
The meeting also decided to facilitate live telecast and a common live feed of the Rath Yatra for local and national electronic media. Hospitality arrangements will be made for visiting dignitaries and media personnel.
Cultural programmes showcasing Odisha’s traditional performing arts, including Pala, Daskathia and Ghoda Nach, will be organised at the Information Centres in coordination with the district administration. Bhajan performances by noted singers will also be held every evening at the open-air stage near the Gundicha Temple.
The department will publish special Rath Yatra editions of Utkal Prasanga and Odisha Review, besides bringing out the Jagannath Janana publication. Television and photographic coverage, radio jingles and advertisement campaigns are also planned.
Hoardings carrying the Chief Minister’s goodwill message and information on major state government development initiatives will be displayed at designated locations along the Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway.
Officials were also asked to enhance publicity through newspaper advertisements and social media platforms.
In a new initiative this year, the I&PR Department will install LED screens at strategic locations in Puri and along the Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway to provide devotees with essential and emergency information in real time. Sharma stressed the need for efficient management of these displays to improve public convenience.
The department will also facilitate the visit of state-level media representatives to Puri during the festival. The meeting further discussed setting up Information Centres in other districts where Rath Yatra celebrations are held.
Director Anuj Kumar Das Pattnaik, Technical Director Gurveer Singh, Joint Director Sucheta Priyadarshini, Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Behuria, Additional Director Smita Kar, Puri District Information and Public Relations Officer Santosh Kumar Sethi and other departmental officials attended the meeting.
