Bhubaneswar: With the sacred Rath Yatra just days away, the Odisha government has released detailed safety advisories for devotees, organisers, and the general public.
The Health & Family Welfare Department and the Energy Department have issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy festivals.
Health Guidelines for Devotees
- The Health Department has urged pilgrims to strictly follow these precautions:
- Drink only clean/boiled water and wash hands thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid street food, artificially coloured items, stale or foul-smelling food, and fruits/vegetables exposed to flies.
- Use white caps or wet cloths to protect against sunstroke and drink ORS solution regularly.
- Follow safety instructions from lifeguards while taking a holy dip in the sea.
- Use mosquito nets and repellents if staying overnight.
- Keep elderly people, persons with disabilities, and children away from heavy crowds.
- Seek immediate medical help at nearby health centres if feeling unwell.
Electrical Safety Measures
- The Energy Department has issued specific instructions for organisers and the public:
- Strictly follow electricity safety norms during the festival.
- Organisers must inform the local electricity office in writing before moving chariots along designated routes.
- Get electrical equipment and wiring thoroughly checked at pandals, yatra venues, hotels, shops, and crowded places.
- Report any electrical concerns to the local Electrical Inspector immediately.
These guidelines have been issued to minimise health risks and prevent electrical accidents during the massive gathering expected for the Rath Yatra.
The government has appealed to all devotees, organisers, and citizens to cooperate and strictly adhere to these safety measures for a smooth and incident-free celebration of the holy festival.
