This year on June 20, the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and His siblings will be observed in Puri, Odisha.
The event commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual voyage from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in his brilliantly decked chariot, accompanied by His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
The chariots, known as Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Goddess Subhadra), are lavishly decorated with flowers and colorful embellishments.
Ritual Timings
Pahandi start: 9.30 am.
Pahandi end: 12.30 pm.
Chhera Pahanra: 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
Pulling of Chariots: 4 pm.
Puri police issued a traffic advisory in anticipation of the enormous crowds expected in the Pilgrim Town during Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities’ Rath Yatra celebration, which begins on June 20. The Puri police department’s philosophy in managing smooth traffic during the festival period is “minimum restriction, maximum regulation.”
The traffic advisory emphasises the following issues:
- The police will regulate vehicular traffic from 00:00 hrs on 19.06.2023 to 00:00 hrs on 21.06.2023 and from 00:00 hrs on 28.06.2023 to 00:00 hrs on 29.06.2023 as per the traffic mobility plan.
- All the inter-state, as well as local tourist buses, will stop and park at Malatipatpur Bus Stand, while all buses carrying passengers will be allowed up to Talabania temporary bus stand via Malatipatapur railway over bridge (ROB), Toshali Sands, Grid Station Chhak, and Bhudan Chhaka.
- All shuttle buses in Puri town/auto rickshaws will be allowed to ply from Talabania to Zilla School Chhaka via Sunara Gouranga Chhaka, BNR Hotel Chhaka, Youth Hostel Chhaka, and Nilachala Urban Hata. Their return route will be via Zilla School Chhaka to helipad via Ghodabazar, Rama Mandir, Odisha Bakery, Sadar Block office for buses, and Mangala Temple for auto rickshaws.
- Alternative shuttle services will be available from Malatipatapur Bus Stand to Atharanala on both ways.
- Two-wheelers can be parked at Jagannath Ballav, Masanichandi, Matitota Parking, Nilachala Ashok, and Blue Flag Beach.
- All LMVs/cars/SUVs can park at the parking places at Indoor Stadium, helipad, Sanskrit University parking, ITI College parking, Nalifield, and Yatrika.
- Shuttle services have been implemented from Talabania to Zilla School Chhaka and From Malatipatapur to Atharanala for smooth darshan of the Lords by devotees.
- People requiring any assistance can call the 24×7 helpline number of Puri Police:[1]6370967100/06752-232551.
Parking Places
During the Car Festival, the authorities will set up parking areas for tourist buses in five locations throughout the Holy City. The tourist buses will stop at Malatipatpur, a neighboring khondalite stone stockyard, Talabania, the Horticulture Department office near Bai Das Nagar, and Nagapatna.
Regular buses, however, will be permitted to stop at a bus stop near the Srigundicha shrine.
Devotees will be able to park their four-wheelers in 15 different locations throughout Puri, including an open area near Lokanath temple, near Yatrika guesthouse, Blue Flag beach, SCS College ground, Bhoodan Nagar, Helipad area, ITI College ground, and Neelachal Ashoka Hotel ground.
Parking for two-wheelers will be provided at SCS College grounds, Sushama Garden, Jagannath Ballav, Masanichandi Square, Floris India, and Krushak Bazar.
The Grand Road and all others connecting roads will be declared as no parking zones. No vehicle will be allowed to the Grand Road during Ratha Jatra and Bahuda Jatra.
Source:SE