Today is the world-famous and sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath — a grand festival marking the divine union of the Lord and his devotees.

Today, the Lord will leave his Ratna Singhasana (bejewelled throne) and come out to the Grand Road (Bada Danda). The chariots and roads are ready for the journey. Lord Jagannath will ride on the chariot and begin his 9-day journey to the Gundicha Temple.

The entire Srimandir and Grand Road have been beautifully decorated. All three chariots await near the Singhadwar.

Thousands of devotees have gathered on the Grand Road, and lakhs have come from across India and abroad for a glimpse of the Lord on his chariot.

The Pahandi procession of the deities starts at 9:30 AM, and the chariot pulling (Rath Tana) begins at 4 PM.

Key Ritual Timings (Niti Nirdhanta):

6:00 AM – Mangala Arati

6:20 AM – Mailam ritual

6:30 AM – Tadapa Lagi & Rosh Homa

7:10 AM – Surya Puja

7:30 AM – Dwarapala Puja & Vesha ends

8:00 AM – Offering of Khichudi Bhog

9:00 AM – Chariot consecration

9:15 AM – Mangal Arpan

9:30 AM – Pahandi begins

12:30 PM – Pahandi ends

1:00 PM – Lord Madanmohan and Krishna board their chariots

2:00 PM – Chitalagi ritual

2:30 PM – Costume change (Vesha) ends

2:30–3:30 PM – Gajapati King performs Chhera Pahanra (sweeping ritual)

4:00 PM – Chariot pulling begins

Puri has turned into a fortress. Along with NSG snipers, 10,000 police personnel have been deployed. Security arrangements emphasize both safety and crowd management through expert protocols.