New Delhi: The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra will begin in Puri on Friday with lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the nine-day religious procession. This year, the Adani Group has announced a large-scale seva (voluntary service) initiative to support pilgrims and civic workers throughout the duration of the festival. The group ha earlier extended their seva during the Maha Kumbh, earlier this year.
The chariot festival, held every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, will see the deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their maternal aunt’s abode. The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, will take place after a nine-day stay.
Adani Group’s seva campaign
According to officials, the Adani Group’s seva campaign will include the distribution of nearly four million free meals and beverages, food counters for devotees and frontline workers, beverage stations across the city, and logistical support for the Puri Beach Lifeguard Mahasangha. The Group is also organising clean-up drives focusing on plastic waste and providing T-shirts, safety vests, jackets, caps, umbrellas, and raincoats to volunteers and civic personnel.
The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the Puri district administration, ISKCON, and local volunteer organisations. A senior Adani official said the effort is part of chairman Gautam Adani’s belief that “Seva hi Sadhana hai” (Service is Worship), and reflects the Group’s commitment to community service beyond corporate activity.
Construction of chariots complete
Construction of the three chariots — Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath, 18 wheels, 45 ft), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra, 16 wheels, 44 ft), and Darpadalana (Subhadra, 14 wheels, 43 ft) — has been completed. The chariots are made from specially selected wood and are built afresh every year by traditional artisans.
Security arrangements have been tightened across the city, with state and central agencies working together to manage the large influx of pilgrims.
