President Droupadi Murmu is set to grace the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri on July 7, as confirmed by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President’s visit comes amidst stringent security measures being implemented around Puri to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Special security arrangements have been made to facilitate President Murmu’s visit, with a dedicated team overseeing the proceedings.
Moreover, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall across various districts of Odisha during the four-day visit. On July 7, districts like Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Puri, among others, are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall as per the IMD bulletin.
The annual Ratha Yatra of Puri, known as Ratha Jatra, is celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The deities are carried in grand chariots by devotees along the bada danda to the Gundicha Temple during the festival. This year’s Yatra is particularly significant due to the convergence of rare rituals on July 7, a unique occurrence not seen since 1971.
Additionally, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared a two-day holiday to mark the occasion after 53 years. This year’s Rath Yatra holds immense importance as it aligns with key events coinciding with the BJP government’s term. The festival is a cultural extravaganza that draws devotees and tourists from all over the world to witness the grand celebrations in Puri.
In conclusion, President Droupadi Murmu’s presence at the Jagannath Rath Yatra amidst the heavy rainfall predictions underscores the significance of the event and the preparations being made to ensure a seamless and safe experience for all attendees.
