Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review advance preparations for the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra 2026, marking the first official review under her chairmanship for this year’s festival. The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, brought together senior officials from key state departments and agencies involved in the conduct of the annual mega event.
Among those present were Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Fire Services DG Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Industries and Information & Public Relations) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, senior officials from the Housing and Urban Development, Health and Family Welfare, Works and National Highways Authority departments, Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, senior representatives of institutions associated with Rath Yatra management, and officials of the Shree Mandir administration.
The Rath Yatra, held annually on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, is tentatively indicated by various almanacs to fall on July 16 this year. However, it was clarified in the meeting that the final date will be decided strictly in accordance with traditional rituals and customs of the Shree Jagannath Temple, as determined by the Chhatisa Nijog Committee, Mukti Mandap and other temple bodies. Briefing the meeting, Dr. Padhee said the Bahuda Yatra will be observed nine days after the Rath Yatra, followed by Suna Besha and other associated rituals. He also informed that Ratha Katha Puja will be held on Basanta Panchami on January 23, the Ratha Katha Chirata process will commence on Rama Navami on March 27, the auspicious beginning of chariot construction will take place on Akshaya Tritiya on April 20, and Snana Yatra will be observed on June 29.
Stating that preparations for Rath Yatra effectively begin months in advance, the Chief Secretary said the entire exercise involves a series of complex tasks ranging from procurement of chariot wood to construction and smooth pulling of the chariots. With lakhs of devotees expected to gather in Puri, she underlined the need for coordinated and time-bound preparations and issued directions to ensure zero-error management through advance planning. Monthly review meetings will be held, and departments have been asked to report progress in the next review.
It was informed that as per the Rath code, a total of 865 pieces of chariot wood are required for the construction of the three chariots. Of these, 47 pieces are already available, while arrangements are in place to procure the remaining 818 pieces. The Divisional Forest Officer, Nayagarh, will supply asan and dhaura wood, while the DFO, Khurda, will provide wood and balla. A coordination meeting to ensure timely supply was held on January 9 in the presence of the Shree Mandir Chief Administrator and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Crowd management, particularly during chariot pulling on Bada Danda, figured prominently in the discussions. To prevent overcrowding near the chariots, large LED screens will be installed at multiple locations along the Grand Road to relay live information and visuals to devotees. The Health and Family Welfare Department outlined its regular and enhanced preparations, including the establishment of additional temporary primary health centres with specialist doctors and paramedical staff. Ambulance movement will be kept obstruction-free, and necessary arrangements will be made to ensure quick emergency response.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has been tasked with constructing between 300 and 400 toilets, including permanent toilets at government offices and buildings along or near Bada Danda where space permits. WATCO, with support from the Rural Water Supply Department, will ensure round-the-clock drinking water supply. Cleanliness along the Grand Road will be strictly monitored, and the sale or distribution of free cooked food will not be permitted without prior approval of the District Collector.
The meeting also discussed waste management and sanitation, lighting arrangements by TPCODL, and the need to keep Banki Muhan clean and well-managed. Given the possibility of rain in July, advance steps will be taken to address drainage issues, particularly at Hospital Chhak. The Works Department has been instructed to complete repair of roads within Puri town by April, while restrictions will be imposed on organising major mega events on the beach during the Rath Yatra period to avoid congestion.
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania informed that additional police personnel will be deployed this year to strengthen law and order and crowd management. The Puri Superintendent of Police requested more toilets and improved accommodation facilities for police personnel. Unsafe buildings along Bada Danda will be inspected and prohibited from use during the festival. For traffic regulation, instructions have been issued to create 500 parking spaces with adequate lighting from Uttara Chhak to Puri, including areas such as Talabania, and the Central Revenue Commissioner has been advised to hold advance coordination meetings for parking and related arrangements.
Attention was also drawn to ongoing infrastructure works. The Shree Mandir Chief Administrator urged OBCC to complete projects at the Gundicha Temple premises well before Rath Yatra, as these are essential for the Ghosa Yatra. The Chief Secretary directed ODCC to complete construction works near JBPC and Mashani Chandi by March. The National Highways Authority of India’s Bhubaneswar Division was instructed to expedite completion of the overbridge on Siddha Mahavir Road, a major congestion point in Puri, along with other NH works linked to the festival.
Railways were advised to open additional ticket counters near Puri Railway Station, disseminate advance information on train operations and ensure smooth management of online ticketing systems to help control crowds. It was noted that every year the Law Minister and the Chief Minister review Rath Yatra preparations shortly before the festival, and that the Chief Minister has already issued directions for early planning this year as well. Police-magistrate coordination meetings and district-level departmental reviews will continue in the coming months.
Taking into account last year’s experience, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to remain vigilant and discharge their responsibilities flawlessly so that no lapses occur during this year’s Rath Yatra. Instructions have also been issued to prepare two additional charamalas as part of this year’s arrangements.
