Bhubaneswar: Preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath have gained momentum with the approval of the comprehensive ritual schedule covering all major festivals associated with the annual chariot festival. The Chhatisha Nijog, the apex body representing various servitor groups of the Shree Jagannath Temple, has formally approved the schedule for key rituals including Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Suna Besha, Bahuda Yatra, and Niladri Bije.
The approval was granted during an important meeting of the Chhatisha Nijog and the Temple Rituals Sub-Committee held on May 31 at Niladri Bhakta Nivas under the chairmanship of Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee. The meeting finalized the ritual calendar from Rajendra Abhishek on June 24 until Niladri Bije on July 27.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr Padhee stated that the ritual schedule and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra festivals have been finalized. He emphasized that extensive discussions were held regarding operational procedures and coordination among temple servitors to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the festivals.
“We have finalized the schedule of rituals for these two important celebrations and discussed the detailed administrative arrangements required for their successful conduct,” Dr. Padhee said. He further informed that the inventory process of the Ratna Bhandar has been temporarily paused in view of the extensive preparations underway for the upcoming festivities and will resume later.
The temple administration has sought the cooperation of servitors to ensure disciplined execution of all rituals and smooth management of the large crowds expected during the festivals. Servitor representatives assured the administration of their full support in maintaining the sanctity and timely completion of temple rituals.
A detailed review of arrangements will be conducted during a meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee scheduled for June 5.
Snana Purnima Schedule
The sacred Debasnana Purnima will be observed on June 29. According to the approved schedule, Mangala Arati will begin at 4:30 a.m., followed by Dwara Lagi and Pushpanjali rituals between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. The ceremonial Pahandi procession of the deities will commence thereafter.
Following Mangala Arati at 9:00 a.m. and completion of other rituals, the ceremonial bathing rites, including Jal Bije and Snana rituals, will take place between noon and 2:00 p.m. Chhera Pahanra, the symbolic sweeping ceremony, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., while the visually striking Hati Besha (Elephant Attire) of the deities will be performed between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The return Pahandi procession is scheduled between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Servitors have assured the temple administration that all major rituals, including Pahandi Bije, Jal Bije, Jal Lagi, Chhera Pahanra, and Hati Besha, will be conducted in a disciplined manner.
Rath Yatra Schedule
The Rath Yatra will be held on July 16. Temple rituals will commence with Mangala Arati at 6:00 a.m., followed by other customary rites. Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals will be performed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
ଶ୍ରୀଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର ଛତିଶା ନିଯୋଗ ବୈଠକ ଏବଂ ନୀତି ସବ୍ – କମିଟି ବୈଠକ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ହୋଇ ଆଗାମୀ ସ୍ନାନଯାତ୍ରା, ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ଏବଂ ବାହୁଡାଯାତ୍ରା ନୀତି ନିର୍ଘଣ୍ଟ ଓ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥାବଳୀ ଅନୁମୋଦିତ ହୋଇଛି। pic.twitter.com/dPifjX8ZZq
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) May 31, 2026
Rath Pratishtha is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., followed by Mangalarpana at 9:15 a.m. The grand Pahandi procession will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. Madanmohan Bije will take place between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
After Chita Lagi and other ceremonial adornments, Chhera Pahanra will be performed between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The ceremonial fitting of ropes and preparations involving horses and charioteers will be conducted between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The pulling of the three majestic chariots is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.
Dr Padhee expressed hope that, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, this year’s Rath Yatra would be conducted smoothly and safely. Referring to incidents that occurred during last year’s festival, he said efforts have been made to address shortcomings and strengthen coordination among all agencies involved.
Key Ritual Dates
The approved ritual calendar includes:
• June 24: Rajendra Abhishek
• June 25: Rukmini Harana Ekadashi
• June 26: Champaka Dwadashi
• June 27: Daita Pravesh
• June 29: Debasnana Purnima
• July 14: Netrotsav and Nabajouban Darshan
• July 16: Rath Yatra
• July 20: Hera Panchami
• July 23: Nabami Sandhya Darshan
• July 24: Bahuda Yatra
• July 25: Suna Besha
• July 27: Niladri Bije
Police and Daitapati Coordination Meeting
In a parallel development, a coordination meeting between the Puri Police and representatives of the Daitapati Nijog was held at the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Puri, to ensure the orderly conduct of the Rath Yatra.
Chairing the meeting, Puri SP Prateek Singh highlighted the global significance of the festival and stressed the need for seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies and temple servitors.
“Rath Yatra is not only a symbol of faith for Odisha but also for millions of devotees across the world. Effective coordination is essential to ensure a peaceful, secure, and well-managed festival,” Singh said.
He noted that Daitapati servitors play a critical role in conducting the rituals on schedule and facilitating orderly darshan for devotees. Special emphasis was placed on crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response mechanisms, and ensuring smooth movement of pilgrims during Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha, all of which attract massive gatherings.
Representatives of the Daitapati Nijog assured the police administration of their complete cooperation.
Security Review for Snana Purnima
Meanwhile, Central Range Inspector General of Police (IG), Dr. Satyajit Nayak on 1st June , conducted a comprehensive review of security, traffic, and crowd management arrangements in Puri in preparation for Snana Purnima 2026.
Accompanied by SP Prateek Singh and other senior officials, the IG visited the Shree Jagannath Temple and later inspected key locations associated with the festival arrangements.
Ahead of auspicious Snana Purnima 2026, IG Central Range Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, along with SP Puri Prateek Singh, visited Sri Jagannath Temple to review security & crowd management arrangements. #Puri #SnanaPurnima2026 #OdishaPolice pic.twitter.com/uVxxrMu8t0
— IGP, Central Range Cuttack (@igcrcuttack) June 1, 2026
Authorities have planned streamlined entry and exit systems through various temple gates to facilitate smooth movement of devotees during the Pahandi procession and Snana rituals. Adequate police deployment, dedicated traffic corridors along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), uninterrupted emergency vehicle movement, and enhanced 24×7 CCTV surveillance at critical locations form key components of the security plan.
Addressing reporters, Dr. Nayak said the Odisha Police’s highest priority is to provide devotees with a safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling experience. He added that the police are working closely with the temple administration to maintain the highest standards of public safety and crowd management.
He also appealed to devotees and the general public to cooperate with security personnel and follow guidelines to ensure the smooth conduct of all rituals and festival activities.
