
Massive Security Arrangements in Puri for Bahuda Yatra After June 29 Stampede Tragedy
PURI, ODISHA — After the tragic stampede near Gundicha temple on June 29, which claimed three lives during the annual Rath Yatra, authorities have ramped up security ahead of Lord Jagannath's Bahuda Yatra scheduled for Saturday. The Bahuda Yatra marks the return journey of the divine trinity — Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra — to their main abode at the 12th-century Jagannath temple from the Gundicha temple.
This return procession, traditionally attended by lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, will now take place under tight security supervision to prevent any repeat of last week's tragic incident.
6,800 Security Personnel Deployed Across Puri
To ensure the safe conduct of Bahuda Yatra 2024, over 6,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and 800 from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across Puri's Temple Town.
Senior officials, including Director General of Police YB Khurania, are monitoring the situation on-ground. “We have taken all possible measures to ensure the festival concludes smoothly,” said Khurania, who is stationed in Puri along with other senior officers.
AI Surveillance and Traffic Control for Crowd Management
In a significant technological step, over 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras have been strategically installed throughout the town to monitor crowd movement and detect unusual behaviour. Officials say the system is capable of flagging potential security risks and identifying individuals engaging in suspicious activity.
In anticipation of massive footfall due to favorable weather, special traffic and crowd control plans have been implemented. Barricading, route diversions, and emergency corridors are in place to manage the anticipated surge in devotees attending the final day of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
Schedule of Bahuda Yatra 2024: Rituals and Ceremonies
According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the ceremonial return of the deities will follow the sacred schedule:
- Pahandi Bije (Procession of Deities): Begins at 12 PM, with the idols being escorted from the Gundicha temple to their respective chariots.
- Chhera Pahanra (Ceremonial Sweeping): Between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, the titular King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, will perform the traditional sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom.
- Yatra Start (Chariot Pulling): Scheduled to begin at 4 PM, when thousands of devotees will pull the three massive chariots back toward the Jagannath temple.
On Friday evening, thousands witnessed the ‘Sandhya Darshan’, a twilight ritual allowing devotees a final glimpse of the idols at the Gundicha temple before their return journey.
Stampede Tragedy Raises Safety Concerns
The June 29 incident that led to three deaths due to a stampede-like situation near the Gundicha temple cast a shadow over the Rath Yatra celebrations. The tragedy underscored the urgent need for better crowd control and early intervention protocols during religious festivals that attract massive gatherings.
Officials admitted the need for enhanced coordination, and the Bahuda Yatra is now seen as a test of those improved systems. “We have learned lessons from the incident and are working to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” said a senior officer involved in the planning.
Focus on Devotee Safety and Seamless Rituals
With Puri drawing massive crowds, especially during the return yatra, the Odisha government, police, SJTA, and other civic agencies are on high alert. Ambulance stations, temporary medical camps, fire safety teams, and rapid response units are all part of the security blueprint for the day.
Volunteers, medical staff, and traffic personnel are also being stationed at strategic points across the Rath Yatra route, including Badadanda (Grand Road).
Conclusion: Devotion Meets Discipline
The Bahuda Yatra 2024 is not just a grand religious spectacle, but also a logistical challenge. In light of recent events, this year’s return procession of the deities is being seen as a benchmark for crowd safety and administrative preparedness at large religious gatherings.
With high devotion in the air and heightened vigilance on the ground, authorities hope to ensure a safe, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees attending Lord Jagannath’s return journey.