Puri, June 13: Following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India is preparing for one of its largest religious gatherings in Odisha’s Puri for Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

With an estimated 40 lakhs devotees expected to attend, security agencies geared up to ensure security during the annual chariot festival.

To counter potential threats, 11 security agencies on Friday conducted mock drills simulating emergency scenarios, including a possible attack on Shree Jagannath Temple here.

The drills took place at Bagadia Dharmashala here, which was symbolically treated as the temple for the exercise. In the simulation, three terrorists took hostages inside the building, prompting a coordinated response from security forces.

In the mock drill, the Odisha Police control room was the first to receive the alert, immediately dispatching Special Tactical Unit (STU) personnel on high-speed bikes. The STU team mapped out rescue routes, while fire teams used lifts to enter the building. Additional teams accessed the site via steel ladders and stairways, successfully neutralizing the simulated attackers.

Meanwhile, ALS ambulances evacuated hostages, and firefighters demonstrated emergency response drills. The operation showcased real-time coordination among all agencies, ensuring preparedness for any crisis during the festival.

With Rath Yatra 2025 set to be a historic event, security forces remain vigilant, ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for millions of devotees.

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in the holy city of Puri, is one of the largest Hindu festivals in the country and this year it will begin on Friday, June 27.

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