Bhubaneswar: After assuming office, the BJP Government is going to organize the biggest annual festival of Odisha, Rath Jatra for the first time next month. With only a few days left to the festival, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today directed the State Administration and Police to ensure smooth conduct of the Snana Purnima and Rath Jatra.
Shri Majhi today convened a crucial meeting with senior government officials for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Snana Purnima and Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Minister Law, Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, DGP Arun Sarangi, Director of Intelligence Soumendra Priyadarshi, and other senior officials were present at the meeting held at the state guest house, acting as the temporary office of the new Chief Minister.
Briefing reporters, Shri Harichandan said the Chief Minister was briefed about the ongoing preparations for Snana Jatra and Rath Jatra by the Chief Secretary, DGP and Director, Intelligence.
He emphasised that further consultations would be held with temple servitors and all stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of the Rath Jatra and associated rituals of Lord Jagannath.
Asserting the State Government’s commitment to upholding tradition and Jagannath culture, Harichandan expressed the importance of celebrating the Rath Jatra peacefully with the cooperation of all.
Chief Secretary Shri Jena said Snana Purnima would take place on June 22, followed by Rath Jatra on July 7.
He informed that he had apprised the Chief Minister of necessary procedures for conducting these festivals and outlined plans for two forthcoming meetings. One meeting, chaired by the law minister, will precede the final meeting chaired by the Chief Minister himself.
On the rush of visitors to the Jagannath temple in Puri after the reopening of three gates, Shri Jena said it was expected to continue for the next two days due to the Raja festivals and public holidays.
He assured that measures were in place to manage the public darshan of Lord Jagannath, including the deployment of eight platoons of additional security forces at the temple. The Mangal Alati ritual was also conducted ahead of schedule to streamline proceedings.
“I was personally there in Puri for around five hours last evening. Additional DGP (Law and Order) is camping there while Director Intelligence will also visit the town,” the Chief Secretary added.