With the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri fast approaching, Odisha Law Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan has announced that no VIP entry will be permitted at the Puri Shri Jagannath Temple during the festival. This decision aims to prioritize discipline, ensure minimum amenities for women, and address issues relating to VIP movement, which typically disrupt the conduct of rituals on Rath Yatra day.
Minister Harichandan emphasized, “This time, priority is being given to discipline, minimum amenities for women, and resolving issues relating to VIP movement which usually create problems in the conduct of rituals on Rath Yatra.” He added that the servitors of the temple have assured full cooperation in the conduct of the Rath Yatra and have ensured no crowd on chariots, which might create problems in the darshan of the deities.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi to Oversee Preparations
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi will review all aspects of the Rath Yatra preparations in a crucial meeting scheduled for tomorrow. The minister underscored that VIPs generally create problems in rituals during Rath Yatra, leading to the decision to prohibit any VIP entry into the temple on that day. “We have decided to stop anyone from entering the temple on Rath Yatra day,” Harichandan stated.
Security Arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu
President Shri Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to participate in the Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri this year. Consequently, security arrangements have been significantly tightened for her visit. Minister Harichandan mentioned that preparations, including the route and darshan plans for the President, have been nearly finalized. “If the President desires to pull the chariot during Rath Yatra, necessary steps will be taken in this regard,” he added.
President Murmu is set to arrive in Bhubaneswar on July 6 and attend a program at Jaydev Bhawan in the evening. She will then attend the Rath Yatra at Puri on July 7. This will mark the first time President Murmu witnesses the Rath Yatra since assuming office.
President’s Itinerary in Odisha
Following the Rath Yatra, President Murmu’s schedule includes a visit to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves in Bhubaneswar on July 8 and attending a program of Brahma Kumaris at Andharua, Bhubaneswar. She will also grace a function at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) at Jatni on July 9, before returning to New Delhi the same day.
Ensuring Smooth Festival Conduct
The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his closest aides Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, is committed to ensuring a smooth and disciplined conduct of the Rath Yatra, focusing on the convenience of devotees and maintaining the sanctity of the rituals. This move to restrict VIP entries reflects the government’s dedication to prioritizing the needs and experiences of the general public during one of the state’s most significant festivals.