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India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Gujarat: Anti-Drone Guns Deployed For 148th Rath Yatra In Ahmedabad As Part Of Tight Security Measures
As part of heightened security measures for the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, the Crime Branch has deployed anti-drone guns developed by Bangalore-based AXISCADES Aerospace & Technologies Pvt Ltd to monitor the 16-km procession route, officials said on Friday. According to officials, the advanced equipment is designed to detect and jam unauthorised drones, ensuring that only drones authorised by the administration remain operational along the yatra route. Speaking to ANI, Prashant Sharma, Anti-Drone Gun Operator at AXISCADES, said, "This technology is a detection and jamming unit for drones. We have supplied 100 of these units to the Indian Army Northern Command. It was successfully used in Operation Sindoor... We add the department's drones to our list. Other drones are highlighted in red colour (in our cameras), so we ask the official whether to jam them or not." Meanwhile, a large number of devotees participated in the procession on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij (Kutchi New Year) in Ahmedabad on Friday. Officials said that the deployment of the anti-drone system is part of broader efforts to ensure safety during one of the city's major religious events, which draws massive crowds each year. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi also spoke to ANI about the scale of the security arrangements in place. "Lakhs of devotees come for Darshan during the Rath Yatra along its 16-km route. More than 23,800 security personnel have been deployed. A few elephants lost control this morning, but within minutes, forest officials, the police team, and the AMC managed to bring the situation under control. Forest and medical teams are present with all the elephants," he said. Meanwhile,the grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, as thousands of devotees began pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amid chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour. Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. With the blowing of conch shells and rhythmic beating of cymbals and mridangas, the pulling of the chariots began along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), marking the start of the deities' annual journey. The 'Chhera Pahanra' is one of the most significant customs of the Rath Yatra, symbolising humility and equality before the divine. During the ritual, the Gajapati Maharaja, the erstwhile King of Puri and chief servitor of Lord Jagannath, swept around the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with a golden broom, sprinkling sandalwood water and flowers, and invoking blessings to purify the path of the divine journey. Dressed in traditional attire, the Gajapati Maharaja arrived in a royal procession from the Puri royal palace to the Grand Road, where the deities were placed on their respective chariots. His ceremonial act represents the deep intertwining of royalty and devotion in Jagannath culture.
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Jagannath Rath Yatra gets under way in Puri
The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—got underway on Friday (June 27, 2025), with lakhs of devotees thronging the coastal town of Puri to catch a glimpse of the deities on their majestic chariots. Several layers of security were put in place in Puri in order to ensure that one of the biggest religious congregations in India passes without any untoward incident. More than 200 platoons of the State police force and five companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed for crowd control, controlling vehicular movement and thwarting attempts of sabotage. Besides, AI-enabled CCTV cameras were also installed to supplement the security arrangement. Several hospitalised due to stampede like situations The journey of sibling deities remained incomplete as temple rituals do not allow rolling chariots after Sunset. Around 600 devotees were hospitalised due to heat exhaustion and stampede like situations, said Pruthviraj Harichandan, State Law Minister. Rolling of chariots will resume tomorrow. Devotees had arrived Puri since Thursday and from earlier this morning they had occupied vantage positions to have glimpse of siblings. Once in year, deities were brought out of sanctum of sanctorum of 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri so that as per legends those considered sinners or deemed untouchable — who are generally prohibited from entering the temple — are granted the rare opportunity to behold Lord Jagannath as the deities ride in their chariots, a moment believed to offer the grace of salvation. Since wee hours of Friday, sevayats, traditional priests in Jagannath Temple, conducted some complex rituals during which no outsiders were allowed. In a rhythmic procession, large idols emerged from temple amidst chants of 'Haribol' and sound of conch shells blown by thousands of devotees gathered outside. Idols of deities were taken to their respective chariots one after another. Subsequently, as per tradition Puri's titular King, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, carried out his ceremonial duty of sweeping the wooden chariot platforms with a golden broom. Chariots were pulled by security personnel while devotees were trying to touch holy rope. The three-kilometre long road, known as Bada Danda (Grand Road) connecting Shree Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple, considered abode of aunt of deities, were occupied by devotees. Under watchful eyes of security personnel, the chariots decorated with colourful clothes were pulled in the afternoon. Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and ministerial colleagues, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries witnessed grand spectacle. Deities will get worshipped at Gundicha Tempe for seven days. On ninth day, chariots will return to Shree Jagannath Temple.
India Gazette
a day ago
- General
- India Gazette
Odisha: Amid chanting and fervour, Lord Jagannath begins 9-day journey to Gundicha Temple
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, as thousands of devotees began pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour. Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. With the blowing of conch shells and rhythmic beating of cymbals and mridangas, the pulling of the chariots began along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), marking the start of the deities' annual journey. The 'Chhera Pahanra' is one of the most significant customs of the Rath Yatra, symbolising humility and equality before the divine. During the ritual, the Gajapati Maharaja, the erstwhile King of Puri and chief servitor of Lord Jagannath, swept around the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with a golden broom, sprinkling sandalwood water and flowers, and invoking blessings to purify the path of the divine journey. Dressed in traditional attire, the Gajapati Maharaja arrived in a royal procession from the Puri royal palace to the Grand Road, where the deities were placed on their respective chariots. His ceremonial act represents the deep intertwining of royalty and devotion in Jagannath culture. Thousands of devotees gathered in Puri to witness the grand spectacle, chanting hymns as the sweeping ritual marked the start of the deities' annual nine-day sojourn. The sweeping of the chariots is not just symbolic, but is considered a sacred act of service, reflecting the spiritual essence of the Rath Yatra festival, which draws millions from across the world. Meanwhile, in a warm gesture reflecting traditional hospitality and devotion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi served 'Tanka Torani'--a traditional Odia fermented drink--to devotees participating in the Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri on Friday. CM Majhi could be seen personally distributing the cooling drink, known for its refreshing properties, to devotees braving the summer heat to witness the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. 'Tanka Torani', made from fermented rice water, curd, and a blend of local spices, is traditionally offered during religious occasions and is particularly popular during Rath Yatra due to its hydrating and energising qualities. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat offered prayers to Lord Jagannath during the Ratha Yatra. Speaking to ANI, in the Rath Yatra, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, 'The first ritual of the Jagannath Yatra has been completed. All three siblings have reached the chariots... I am satisfied with the arrangements made by the state government...' Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari also spoke to ANI and said, 'It is a proud feeling and a privilege for all of us. In Sanatan Dharma, Lord Jagannath is the only deity who comes out of the temple to give Darshan to his devotees. I'm also a devotee and am feeling very proud to have received his darshan.' 'Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and Mata Subhadra have already left the 'Ratna Sinhasan' and have started giving their blessings to the devotees. The blessings of Lord Jagannath will help us to perform better. Last year, my department has tackled all natural calamities without any human casualties. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Odisha will prosper and develop,' he said. (ANI)
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Million devotees gather at Puri as Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins amid chants, rain
BHUBANESWAR: Close to a million devotees from across the country and abroad converged at Puri as the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra began with great religious fervour in Puri on Friday. Even the intermittent showers could not dampen the enthusiasm of the pilgrims as the crowd continued to swell to take part in the chariot pulling. Amidst reverberating sounds of musical instruments, chanting, recital of shlokas and performances by artistes, the festival got off to a vibrant start with all the rituals that mark the holy Trinity's annual sojourn. The three deities emerged from the Shree Jagannath Temple for the grand Pahandi Bije rituals. The Pahandi rituals commenced at 11 am after a delay of about two hours and concluded by 12.15 pm. All three deities were taken to their chariots in Dhadi Pahandi and the alati of the holy Trinity was completed. Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb is expected to perform the ritualistic Chhera Pahanra from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm. After the wooden horses are attached to the three rathas, the chariot pulling will commence at 4 pm. President Droupadi Murmu greeted the devotees on the occasion. "On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. Millions of devotees attain a divine experience by having the darshan of the revered deities – Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan seated on the chariot," the President posted on X.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Puri all set for Rath Yatra
PURI: Bedecked and under a thick blanket of security, Puri is all set for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on Friday. The holy Trinity accompanied by deities Sudarshan, Madanmohan and Ramakrishna will embark on their nineday sojourn to the Gundicha temple on three magnificent chariots rolling majestically along the 3-km stretch of the Badadanda (Grand Road). Close to a million devotees are expect to throng the city for the car festival. On Thursday, Pujapanda servitors ceremoniously handed over the Agyanmallyas to Biswakarma artisans, giving the green light for the sacred journey. The day also saw the rare convergence of two key rituals - Netrotsav and Nabajouban Darshan - as devotees had a glimpse of the rejuvenated Trinity following their fortnight- long seclusion in the Anasara Ghar (sick room), after the ceremonial Snana Purnima bath. The deities emerged resplendent in Nabajouban Besha, symbolising renewed youthful vigour. Meanwhile, police personnel and devotees skilfully maneuvered the three chariots from the Rath Khala (construction yard) to the Singhadwar, aligning them eastward, ready for rolling on with the Trinity aboard. The grand pahandi procession - where the deities are escorted to their respective chariots - is scheduled between 8 am and 11.30 am on Friday. Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb will perform the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
