Puri readies Rath Yatra with Bada Danda decorations and 5-km drone no-fly zone

Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Gears Up For Mahaprabhu's Arrival With Stunning Decorations Along 3-Km Stretch

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered Hindu festivals celebrated in Puri, Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. Celebrated every year, it attracts large numbers of devotees from across the world. This year's Jagannath Rath Yatra began on June 29, 2026, on the auspicious day of Snan Purnima.The holy town is witnessing a vibrant transformation as preparations for Rath Yatra 2026 enter the final stage. Hundreds of artists from Odisha and other parts of the country have come together to decorate the nearly 3-kilometre-long Bada Danda (Grand Road). The sacred route of the world-renowned Rath Yatra comes alive with millions of devotees, colourful festivities and massive wooden chariots.#WATCH | Odisha: Tailor servitors engaged in preparing covers for Lord Jagannath and siblings in Puri, ahead of the annual Rath Yatra. They are working round the clock to finish the stitching of the canopy coverings of the three chariots. For the three chariots, a total of 1250… pic.twitter.com/ILo4mwbvRm— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2026 Puri enters final stage of Rath Yatra preparationsPuri, one of the holiest places in the country, has reached the final stage of preparations for the annual festival. Devotees and artists from various parts of the country were seen decorating Bada Danda, the grand road.The stretch connecting the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple has been adorned with colourful murals, traditional motifs, rangoli designs and decorative installations inspired by Odisha's rich cultural heritage. The artwork reflects themes from Jagannath culture, mythology and the state's famous Pattachitra art, adding to the festive atmosphere.Artists have been working day and night to complete the decorations before the annual chariot festival begins. Local residents, devotees and tourists have gathered along the route to witness the creative efforts.#WATCH | Puri, Odisha: Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri has been beautifully decorated ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, as the city prepares to welcome thousands of devotees for the chariot festival. pic.twitter.com/UlFS5sMIlK— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2026 Administration prepares to facilitate pilgrimsThe district administration, along with various cultural organisations, has coordinated the beautification drive to ensure that the city offers a memorable experience to the devotees expected to attend the festival. Besides artistic decorations, the route has also been cleaned, illuminated and equipped with essential facilities for pilgrims. View this post on Instagram Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Declares No-Fly Zone For Drones During Jagannath Chariot Festival From July 16 to 27; Check Details Rath YatraJagannath Rath Yatra is one of Hinduism's most revered festivals, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. Jagannath Temple is also part of Bada Char Dham, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.During the religious festival, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, travels in magnificent wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The annual procession attracts devotees from across India and abroad.

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Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Declares No-Fly Zone For Drones During Jagannath Chariot Festival From July 16 to 27; Check Details

Odisha has geared up for one of the biggest festivals of Lord Jagannath in Puri. The Rath Yatra will commence on July 16, 2026, and it will conclude on July 27, 2026. The Puri district administration has declared a 5-km radius around the holy town a 'No Flying Zone' for drones from Thursday, July 16, in view of the annual Rath Yatra. The step has been taken to ensure the safety and security of millions of devotees expected to attend the annual festival.The decision has been taken as part of extensive security arrangements for one of India's largest religious gatherings. The temporary ban prohibits the operation of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the festival area unless prior permission is obtained from the competent authorities. View this post on Instagram No-fly zone declared in PuriJagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the major Hindu observances, which is celebrated every year. Devotees from across the world come to take part in the festival and seek blessings of Lord Jagannath. This year is also likely to see lakhs of devotees in the Chariot Festival, and to ensure safety and smooth management, the Puri district administration has declared a 5-km radius around the town a 'No-Flying Zone' for drones. The official notification was issued Friday, July 10, 2026.#WATCH | Puri, Odisha: On the Ratha Yatra preparations, Puri DM Dibyajyoti Parida says, “On the 16th of July, we will be having our Pavitra Rath Yatra, for which a large amount of preparation is being undertaken. There has been interdepartmental coordination among agencies,… pic.twitter.com/bBzNoJlPJm— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2026 Reason behind drone banThe restriction aims to prevent potential security threats, manage the massive crowds, and avoid disruptions during the movement of the three majestic chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Authorities have said that unauthorised drone operations could pose risks to public safety and interfere with surveillance and emergency response efforts.However, only government agencies and security personnel authorised for official surveillance and monitoring will be allowed to operate drones during the restricted period.Few Days Left The World waits for this moment. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra step out of the temple — once a year, in the world's biggest chariot festival. Rath Yatra, Puri 45+ feet chariots 1 crore+ devotees. One faith. One road Don't just hear about it Be there pic.twitter.com/uwO37xIcl2— Pilgrimage Tour (@PilgrimageTrips) July 8, 2026 Security arrangements for Rath YatraThe Jagannath Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad every year. To manage the influx, Odisha Police has deployed thousands of security personnel, along with AI-enabled surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, anti-drone technology, quick response teams, and disaster management units across Puri.Authorities have also appealed to visitors to cooperate with security personnel, follow designated routes, and avoid carrying prohibited items during the festivities.WATCH: Grand Preparations Underway For Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra In Puri, Up To 4 Lakh Devotees Expected, Massive Security Forces To Be DeployedAbout Jagannath Rath YatraJagannath Rath Yatra is one of Hinduism's most revered festivals, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. Jagannath Temple is also part of Bada Char Dham, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. As the sacred chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra prepare to roll through the Grand Road of #Puri, millions of hearts unite in #faith, #devotion, and #hope.Behind this magnificent celebration are countless dedicated hands, transforming every street… pic.twitter.com/icO6RdUjph— Dr. Narottam Sahoo (@narottamsahoo) July 9, 2026 During the festival, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, travels from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in beautifully decorated wooden chariots. The grand procession symbolises the deities' annual journey to their aunt's home and attracts millions of devotees who gather to pull the sacred chariots and seek divine blessings.

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