In anticipation of the revered Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the Railway Ministry has announced comprehensive arrangements to facilitate the pilgrimage experience for devotees. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed on Saturday that extensive preparations are underway to ensure a smooth journey for participants.
A key initiative in these preparations is the establishment of a dedicated holding area capable of accommodating up to 15,000 devotees. This facility will feature essential amenities such as proper toilet facilities and temporary ticketing centers, aimed at enhancing convenience during the pilgrimage.
Vaishnaw emphasized the ministry’s commitment to facilitating the journey of an estimated 15 lakh devotees expected from across 25 districts of Odisha. The initiative includes the operation of 315 special trains to transport devotees from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand to Odisha.
Earlier this month, the state of Odisha witnessed the vibrant celebration of ‘Snana Purnima’ at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. Thousands of devotees gathered for the ceremonial baths of Lord Jagannath and his siblings with sacred water from 108 pitchers at the Snana Mandap. The occasion culminated in the Gajanana Besha, resembling Lord Ganesha, a rare public appearance before the upcoming Rath Yatra.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in the Snana Purnima rituals, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of these traditions in the state.
With the Rath Yatra approaching, the preparations reflect the collective effort to uphold the spiritual heritage and ensure a memorable experience for devotees participating in this auspicious event.