Puri’s Jagannath Procession Draws Global Pilgrims Amid Tight Security

The annual Rath Yatra in Puri began on Thursday, marking one of the country’s grandest religious events. Millions of pilgrims, both domestic and overseas, gathered to watch the three deities glide on elaborately ornamented chariots along the city’s main thoroughfares. Law‑enforcement agencies coordinated crowd‑management plans, stationing officers at vulnerable spots and monitoring the flow of devotees. Participants described the atmosphere as a mixture of devotion, music, and communal harmony. Foreign devotees, such as the Hungarian lady Radika, spoke of an intense emotional reaction, noticing faces of sorrow and joy alike, and the sincere generosity of the crowd. The procession symbolizes divine compassion, uniting all followers beyond social and cultural divides.