# Puri Rath Yatra safety measures

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/puri-rath-yatra-safety-measures
> Updated: 2026-08-02T13:44:22.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In early July, Odisha authorities announced a ban on cooked food and stepped up sanitation efforts ahead of the annual Puri Rath Yatra, aiming to reduce health risks for the massive gathering of devotees. By early August, the festival proceeded despite heavy rainfall that dumped nearly 148 mm the previous day. The state government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, coordinated police, Central Armed Police Forces, disaster‑management teams, health services and municipal workers to maintain crowd safety, traffic flow and emergency corridors. Around 13,000 police personnel and NSG commandos oversaw surveillance and crowd control, ensuring the pilgrimage continued without incident.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Odisha Government Ensures Safe Rath Yatra in Puri Amid Heavy Rain

The 2026 Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, was safely conducted despite heavy rain, with extensive government coordination; the event also mourned the loss of Dr Subas Pani, a noted commentator and IT pioneer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-government-ensures-safe-rath-yatra-in-puri-amid-heavy-rain

### 2026-07-04: Odisha authorities ban cooked food and boost sanitation for Puri Rath Yatra

Odisha bans cooked food at Puri's Rath Yatra, enhances sanitation, clears drains, installs pumps and designates parking to manage the massive festival.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-authorities-ban-cooked-food-and-boost-sanitation-for-puri-rath-yatra

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Cite as: Puri Rath Yatra safety measures. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/puri-rath-yatra-safety-measures