Puri: Chairing a high-level Rath Jatra coordination meeting, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday sought cooperation from all for timely conduct of all rituals of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities during the Rath Jatra. Secretary to CM V K Pandian coordinated the Meeting.
Shri Patnaik reviewed the preparedness made by different departments for smooth conduct of the annual Rath Jatra of the sibling deities.
Attending the meeting through video conference, the Chief Minister said special attention should be given to the safety and other facilities of devotees visiting Puri.
He also directed officials to make special arrangements in view of the prevailing heatwave condition in the state.
The Chief Minister also urged the officers to give special attention to ensure that the devotees coming from across the country and abroad will return with a good feeling.
Shri Patnaik sought the cooperation of all for the smooth conduct of the world famous annual Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath in the pilgrim city of Puri this year.
“Mahaprabhu is the identity of Odias. The entire world is waiting for Mahaprabhu’s Ratha Jatra. It is the responsibility of all of us to conduct the festival smoothly,” he stated.
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Ranjan Das said, “We have already started preparations and with Lord’s blessing we will be able to conduct Rath Jatra in a smooth and hassle-free manner. Our focus is on the early completion of rituals.
Shri Das said a decision has been taken to inaugurate Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor project by June 15.”
Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu said her department is giving emphasis for smooth transportation of the devotees coming to Puri for Rath Jatra.
Law Minister, Jagannath Sarka said all departments have been asked to complete all their works as early as possible.
Several other Ministers, the Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Director General of Police Sunil Bansal, several servitors of the temple, and senior officials of different departments of the Odisha Government also attended the Rath Yatra coordination meeting in Puri today.
Earlier, a meeting was held at the state police headquarters in Cuttack under the chairmanship of the DGP to finalise the security arrangements during the chariot festival which will be attended by lakhs of devotees from across the globe.