Puri/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended their heartfelt greetings to devotees in India and across the world on the occasion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, which commenced on Friday in Puri, Odisha. Describing the grand festival as a symbol of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage, both leaders wished for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of all.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. It is a magnificent expression of India’s enduring spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They symbolize humility, collective participation, and selfless service.”

The Prime Minister also prayed for the health, happiness, and prosperity of all, saying, “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, joy, and prosperity. May He give us strength in all our endeavors and further strengthen the spirit of unity in our society. Jai Jagannath!”

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her greetings to devotees around the world, describing the festival as a unique and deeply emotional occasion that symbolizes the divine union of devotees with the Lord.

In her message on X ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the President highlighted the festival’s spiritual, cultural, and unifying significance while praying for the nation’s peace, happiness, and prosperity.

She said, “On the auspicious occasion of Mahaprabhu’s Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad. It is believed that during this sacred procession, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, accompanied by Chakraraj Sudarshan, elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, comes out to meet His devotees. This emotional union of the devotee and the Divine is truly unique.”

Meanwhile, the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana—have been positioned at the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) of the Jagannath Temple ahead of the grand procession.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most significant religious festivals, attracts millions of devotees every year. To ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event, authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Puri has been placed under a multi-layered security cover with personnel from the Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Forces, the National Security Guard (NSG), the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard deployed across the city.

ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said that around 13,000 police personnel, 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, NSG commandos, and 500 lifeguards have been deployed for the festival.

Odisha Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania said that a comprehensive security plan covering land, sea, and air has been put in place. While ground forces will focus on crowd management, traffic regulation, and emergency response, drones and anti-drone systems will provide aerial surveillance. Quick Response Teams of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Odisha Police Marine units will continuously patrol the coastline throughout the festival.