Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: ABVP deploys over 1,200 student volunteers for cleanliness, medical aid & crowd management

PURI: Extending greetings to devotees on the auspicious occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) announced a large-scale volunteer initiative with more than 1,200 student volunteers participating in various service activities to assist devotees during one of the world’s largest spiritual festivals.

In a statement, the student organisation said the annual Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra reflects the timeless Indian ideals of social harmony, selfless service, devotion, public welfare and collective participation.

Calling the festival a powerful symbol of India’s cultural unity, ABVP said the Rath Yatra inspires society through the values of service, dedication and social cohesion while reinforcing the country’s civilisational consciousness.

As part of its volunteer campaign, ABVP has mobilised students under several of its affiliated initiatives to provide assistance throughout the festival.

 According to the orgnisation:

• Students for Seva (SFS) is coordinating multiple public service activities.
• Students for Development (SFD) is conducting cleanliness drives along the main Rath Yatra route.
• MediVision has organised health check-up facilities for devotees.
• PharmaVision, along with Jignasa, is distributing essential medicines.
• 321 women student volunteers have established an Ambulance Corridor outside the district hospital to ensure the smooth movement of ambulances, patients and devotees.
• Student volunteers have also formed a human chain on both sides of Bhagwan Jagannath’s chariot to assist with crowd management and ensure the orderly conduct of the procession.

The organisation said these initiatives are aimed at ensuring the safe, disciplined and smooth conduct of the annual chariot festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad. ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said the Rath Yatra embodies India’s enduring tradition of service and social harmony.

“The Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath represents the eternal Indian tradition of service, social harmony and public welfare. This sacred festival of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra inspires us to cultivate compassion and a spirit of service towards every section of society,” he said.

He added that service remains an integral part of ABVP’s organisational philosophy and that student volunteers are committed to assisting devotees through various initiatives during the festival.

Dr. Solanki also prayed that the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath bring happiness, peace, prosperity and social harmony to the nation while strengthening the collective resolve to build a developed, capable and culturally enriched India.