Suvendu govt tightens security for Kolkata ahead to Rath Yatra, to deploy around 2,000 personnel

The West Bengal government has put in place an elaborate security arrangement for Rath Yatra on Thursday, deploying around 2,000 police personnel in Kolkata to ensure peaceful conduct of one of the largest annual religious festivals.

According to senior police officials, security has been significantly strengthened in view of the large gatherings expected during the festival.

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A total of 86 smaller Rath Yatra processions and eight major chariot festivals, including the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata, are scheduled to be held across the state. Officials said each of the smaller processions is expected to attract between 100 and 150 devotees, while attendance at the larger events, particularly the ISKCON procession, could exceed 2,000 participants.

Police have been instructed to conduct route marches in sensitive areas from the eve of the festival. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will remain on patrol throughout the day, while drone surveillance will monitor major procession routes and congregation points.

All police stations have been directed to respond immediately to any report of unrest to prevent escalation and ensure uninterrupted celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir at Digha has announced an elaborate programme for the annual Sri Jagannath Rathayatra Mahotsava 2026, which is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across West Bengal, other parts of the country and abroad.

The religious festivities will begin at 10.30 a.m. with the traditional “Pahandi Vijay”, during which Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Devi Subhadra will be ceremonially carried from the sanctum of the temple to their three chariots amid Vedic chants and devotional singing.

From 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m., the chariots will be decorated with flowers and traditional ornaments, followed by the offering of “bhoga”. The inaugural ceremony will take place between 3 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. in the presence of chief guest former MP Sisir Adhikari, after which the Rath Yatra will commence at 3.30 p.m.

The procession is expected to reach the “Gundicha Mandir” at around 4.30 p.m. followed by the traditional Pahandi Vijay there at 5.30 p.m.

Radharamn Das, trustee and chief priest of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, described Rath Yatra as one of the world’s oldest and most inclusive spiritual festivals, saying Lord Jagannath’s journey outside the temple symbolises compassion, equality and universal love.

He invited people from all communities and faiths to participate in the festival and receive the blessings of the deities. He also said the Digha temple had emerged as one of eastern India’s prominent spiritual destinations and that the organisers were committed to conducting a safe, orderly and spiritually enriching festival for pilgrims.

Expressing gratitude to the state government, Das thanked Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for extending financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to major Rath Yatra celebrations across West Bengal, including the Shri Shri Jagannath Cultural Centre at Digha. He said the support would help organisers conduct the festival on a larger scale while preserving Bengal’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions.