Puri Jagannath YatraImage Credit source: Getty Images
Religious pilgrimages have their own importance in India. Every year lakhs of devotees come from different parts of the country to visit famous temples and pilgrimage sites. One of these is the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath organized in Puri, Odisha, which is counted among the largest religious events in the world. During this time, the entire Puri city is seen colored in the colors of faith and devotion. Due to the arrival of a large number of devotees, security and transportation arrangements are made by the administration.
This year, religious programs related to Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra are being organized from 16th July to 24th July. In such a situation, if you are also planning to go to Puri during this period, then some important information before the journey can make your trip easier and better.
Proper planning in advance can save both time and money. Let us know what important things should be kept in mind before going on Puri Jagannath Yatra, how to reach Puri, where to stay and what to explore nearby.
Know these important things before going on Puri Jagannath Yatra
During Rath Yatra, the number of devotees in Puri is in lakhs, hence it is better to book trains, flights and hotels in advance. Considering the weather, carry light cotton clothes, umbrella or raincoat, comfortable shoes, water bottle, essential medicines and identity card. If you are traveling with children and elderly people, then take special care of them in the crowd.
There is no permission to carry mobile phones, cameras and some other electronic items in the temple, hence these may have to be deposited in the cloak room. The main entrance gate ‘Singhdwar’ is used for darshan. There is maximum crowd on the days of Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra, hence plan your journey keeping in mind the time and follow the rules issued by the administration.
How to reach, where to stay and what to explore?
The nearest airport to reach Puri is Bhubaneswar which is about 60 kilometers from here. Taxis and buses are easily available from there. Puri railway station is also connected to major cities of the country. Dharamshala, budget hotels and luxury hotels are available around the temple for accommodation, but it is better to book in advance during the Rath Yatra.
After darshan, you can also visit Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Puri Golden Beach, Swargadwar Beach, Loknath Temple and Raghurajpur Heritage Village. For a trip of 1 to 2 days, a budget of ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 12,000 per person can be sufficient. It depends on your mode of travel and hotel.
What things should be kept in mind during Jagannath Yatra?
There is a huge crowd during the Rath Yatra, so follow the rules of the administration and do not try to cross the barricades. Along with the heat in Puri in July, there is also a possibility of humidity and rain, so keep an umbrella or raincoat. Do not leave children and elderly people alone in the crowd and make arrangements for rest for them from time to time.
Keep valuable items to a minimum and do not trust any rumour. It is better to plan darshan early in the morning or as per the time fixed by the administration. In case of any problem, immediately contact the police or help center.
