Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed officials to make arrangements for Ratha Yatra 2023 in Puri keeping in mind the hot weather.
"We must give special attention to the devotees coming from across the country and abroad, and ensure that they return with a feel-good factor," Patnaik told a meeting of the Ratha Jatra Coordination Committee through the virtual mode.
He appealed to everyone to extend support so that the festival is held smoothly.
Maintaining that Lord Jagannath is the biggest identity of Odisha, he said rituals at proper times should be ensured so that the festival passes off smoothly.
During the review meeting, Patnaik stressed the need for an uninterrupted power supply to the pilgrim town during the Rath Yatra.
This year, the auspicious Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will take place on June 20. The Jagannath Yatra will commence on June 20 at 10:04 pm and will end on June 21 at 7:09 pm. The preparations for the festival begin months before the festival.
The grand Rath Yatra begins after the three deities are established on the decorated chariots. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosha, Lord Balabhadra's chariot is called Taladhwaja, and Goddess Subhadra's chariot is called Darpadalan. These chariots are pulled by a large number of devotees.
One of the holiest celebrations in Odisha, Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, is organised by the Hindu calendar. The celebration takes place every year on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha.
The day is of immense importance for the devotees of lord Jagannatha. On this day, Lord Jagannatha is taken out of the temple on beautiful chariots. The three idols are taken to the Gundicha Temple.
