On Monday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that the responsibility for conducting the annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath safely and smoothly lies not just with the government but is a collective duty of everyone involved.
During a special high-level review meeting held in Puri, the Chief Minister underscored the necessity of strong coordination among officials and staff to facilitate the successful execution of the festival.
Speaking at the Puri Town Hall, he stated, “With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, and by uniting our wisdom, knowledge, skills, and experience with a spirit of dedication, the officials and employees from all relevant departments, along with the servitors, should manage the Ratha Yatra. This collective effort will ensure that the Ratha Yatra is conducted flawlessly.”
Majhi noted that Lord Jagannath holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, declaring the Ratha Yatra as a sacred occasion not only for the residents of Puri but also for devotees throughout Odisha, India, and beyond.
“The entire world is watching this festival. Ensuring a safe Ratha Yatra is not merely a governmental obligation, but a moral duty we all share,” he remarked, expressing hope that every official would approach their roles with sincerity, viewing their responsibilities as a sacred service under the guidance of Lord Jagannath.
The Chief Minister indicated that extensive police presence has been arranged for security and crowd management during the festival. He also confirmed that sufficient provisions for healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, transportation, and traffic control have been established.
Majhi encouraged officials to leverage the experiences gained over the last two years to ensure effective coordination. He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring all arrangements and instructed the district administration to refrain from issuing any extra cordon passes beyond the set limits.
He commended the servitors of Lord Jagannath for adhering to the rituals punctually and traditionally. Additionally, the Chief Minister urged officials to use various media outlets, public announcement systems, and social media to inform devotees.
He stated that timely communication regarding temple rituals, available services, traffic conditions, and emergency updates through FM radio, social media, departmental websites, and television would help mitigate potential issues. CM Majhi also directed authorities to monitor for misinformation and take strict action against those spreading rumors.
“If every devotee leaves after having a positive spiritual experience from their darshan of Lord Jagannath, that will be our collective achievement and blessing,” concluded CM Majhi.
