Puri soaked by heavy rain as devotees assemble for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra

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Puri: Odisha’s Puri sways to the beat of heavy rain as devotees flock to watch the world famous Rath Yatra, amidst the overwhelming sense of devotion, faith, and tradition, the holy city of Puri is all geared up to welcome Lord Jagannath on Thursday.

However, the city has been reeling under continuous rain that has left the Grand Road (Bada Danda) and the three mammoth chariots of the Holy Trinity all soaked.

The constant downpour has created a surreal scene where most believe that the nature is cleansing the Bada Danda before the arrival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

In spite of the heavy rain, lakhs of devotees have already arrived at the Bada Danda.

Puri has received 204 mm rainfall in the last 45 hours. Severe waterlogging has been reported in several low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall.

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There is knee-deep waterlogging in the Grand Road and several lanes of the city making the travel of the visiting devotees for Rath Yatra difficult, as well as it causing hardship to locals.

From 8:30 pm Wednesday till 5:30 am Thursday, the city has received 72.8 mm rainfall.

Meanwhile, Director, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar Centre Manorama Mohanty, has alerted devotees participating in the Rath Yatra, to be careful during thunderstorms and lightning.

“Please avoid taking shelter under a tree or an electric pole and regularly stay in touch with the Meteorological Department for weather updates throughout the day”, advised the IMD Director.

Also read: Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Rituals Schedule, Timings And All Details

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