Puri, Odisha | June 26, 2025:
With Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 scheduled to begin on June 27, the Odisha Police have launched a comprehensive crowd and traffic management strategy to ensure smooth proceedings of one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
21 Parking Zones and Holding Areas Identified
According to Additional Director General (ADG) of Traffic, Dayal Gangwar, a total of 21 parking zones have been designated around Puri, with five ‘holding areas’ established to accommodate overflow crowds and avoid congestion.
“These zones will help us control crowd pressure and vehicular movement in a structured manner. Three major parking areas will serve as the main hubs,” said ADG Gangwar.
🔗Also Read: Rath Yatra 2025 Bank Holidays: Which States Will See Closures?
Tech-Enabled Crowd Control & Apps for Updates
Technology is playing a key role in crowd management during Rath Yatra 2025. The police will use mobile applications to provide real-time traffic and crowd updates, allowing pilgrims to navigate routes more efficiently and plan accordingly.
“We are leveraging digital platforms to ensure the public gets timely updates, directions, and emergency alerts during the festival,” the ADG added.
Mock Drills and Multi-Agency Coordination
To prepare for emergencies, stampede situations, or terror threats, a multi-agency mock drill was recently conducted at Dharamshala near Jagannath Temple.
Puri SP Vineet Agarwal confirmed that 11 agencies, including the Disaster Rapid Action Force (DRAF), NDRF, ODRAF, and special police units, took part in the anti-terror mock exercise.
“The goal is to evaluate inter-agency coordination and response time during any contingency. This exercise was crucial before the mega event,” SP Agarwal said.
Religious Rituals: Snana Purnima Completed
Earlier on June 11, the sacred Snana Purnima ritual was performed at the Shri Jagannath Temple, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water in a prelude to the Rath Yatra.
The Rath Yatra festival—also known as the Chariot Festival—marks the journey of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for a week before returning.
Why Rath Yatra Is Special in 2025
The 2025 Rath Yatra falls on June 27, which also coincides with a bank holiday in Odisha and Manipur. A record footfall of devotees is expected, and crowd management will be more critical than ever due to the scale of this year’s event.
🔗Also Read: Rath Yatra 2025 Bank Holidays: Which States Will See Closures?
❓ FAQs: Rath Yatra 2025 Security & Planning
Q1: When will Rath Yatra 2025 begin?
A: It begins on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha.
Q2: What measures are in place for traffic control?
A: Odisha Police have designated 21 parking spots and created 5 holding areas for crowd overflow.
Q3: Are there emergency drills conducted for the festival?
A: Yes, a multi-agency mock drill involving 11 departments was held to ensure coordination.
Q4: What tech will be used for crowd management?
A: Mobile apps will provide real-time updates on traffic, crowd zones, and emergency instructions.
Q5: What is the significance of Snana Purnima?
A: It marks the ceremonial bath of the deities and is considered a precursor to the main Rath Yatra festival.
