Preparations for the annual Rath Yatra are going on in full swing in Puri. Tailor servants are making canopies for three chariots, while the government has made several arrangements, including deployment of 12,000 soldiers, for security and convenience of devotees. The construction of chariots is also in the final stages.
Puri (Odisha) [भारत]July 11 (ANI): Tailor servants in Puri are working day and night to make colorful canopies for the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra ahead of the annual Rath Yatra starting on July 16. Tailor servants are busy stitching traditional cloth covers that adorn the giant chariots during the world famous festival.
A total of about 1,250 meters of red, yellow, green and black cloth is being used to prepare the canopy for the three chariots. The work is being done on a war footing to ensure that the covers are completed in time for the annual procession, one of the biggest religious festivals in the country.
Government’s extensive preparations for Rath Yatra
The preparations come at a time when the Odisha government has stepped up arrangements for the Rath Yatra, with officials focusing on security, crowd management and public convenience. On Friday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparations and directed officials to ensure elaborate security, seamless coordination between departments and smooth crowd management for the festival.
During a high-level review meeting, officials told the Chief Minister that around 12,000 personnel of Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed for security and crowd control during the event.
Special arrangements for the convenience of devotees
The authorities have also installed 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers as part of the preparations to facilitate the devotees. Special arrangements have also been made for senior citizens and disabled persons at Gundicha Temple to ensure easy accessibility during the festival.
Solid arrangements for uninterrupted power supply
Earlier, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the Energy Department has completed all necessary preparations to ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety during the Rath Yatra. He said officials have inspected the entire Puri city and addressed issues related to hanging electric wires and underground cable leakage. The department has also finalized the deployment of staff in the districts where Rath Yatra is celebrated.
Construction of chariots in the final stage
Meanwhile, the construction of the three chariots has reached its final stages, with around 220 traditional artisans including carpenters, assistants and painters working meticulously using traditional hand tools to complete the intricate wooden structures ahead of the annual festival. (ANI)
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