Puri, Odisha — June, 2025: In a historic first, elite snipers of the National Security Guard (NSG) have been deployed on rooftops in Puri, Odisha, during the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, one of the most significant Hindu festivals in India. The unprecedented security move comes in response to specific intelligence inputs and heightened threat perception surrounding large-scale religious gatherings.
The Rath Yatra, held annually in Puri, draws lakhs of devotees and pilgrims from across the globe. The festival, which involves pulling massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra through the city’s Grand Road, is not only a religious event but a cultural spectacle.
This year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Odisha Police, in coordination with central security agencies, took a proactive stance to ensure foolproof security arrangements. For the first time ever, NSG commandos — known for their high-risk counter-terrorism expertise — were stationed atop key buildings along the procession route.
According to officials from the Odisha Police and MHA, the deployment of NSG marks a significant upgrade in security preparedness. A senior police official stated, “While there is no specific threat to the Rath Yatra, we are not taking any chances. NSG’s presence is a strong deterrent and a confidence booster for the public.”
The NSG snipers, dressed in black combat gear and equipped with advanced rifles, are trained to neutralize high-risk threats within seconds. Their positioning offers a strategic vantage point to monitor crowd movement, detect any unusual activity, and respond instantly if required.
DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi of Odisha Police said in a press briefing, “We have multiple layers of security, including CCTVs, drone surveillance, bomb squads, and now NSG commandos. This is the first time such elite force has been included during a religious procession in the state.”
Apart from NSG, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Special Operation Group (SOG), Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), and thousands of local police personnel are deployed across Puri. The city has been divided into several security sectors with dedicated response teams stationed at each checkpoint.
Facial recognition systems and drone-mounted cameras have been installed to detect suspicious behavior. Sniffer dogs and bomb detection squads have been deployed in and around the temple premises, railway stations, and bus stands.
Authorities have also installed AI-powered surveillance systems to monitor crowd density and flow in real-time. Emergency medical teams, fire services, and quick reaction teams (QRTs) are on standby.
As per officials from the Jagannath Temple Administration, more than 10 lakh devotees are expected to participate this year, and tight security is key to ensuring a peaceful experience for all.
Citizens and pilgrims have largely welcomed the enhanced security. “We feel safe and proud that our country is taking such strong steps to protect our traditions,” said Ramesh Pujari, a devotee from Hyderabad.
This year’s Rath Yatra not only symbolizes devotion but also the nation’s unwavering commitment to safety and preparedness in times of evolving security challenges.
Sources:
- The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com
- ANI News: https://www.aninews.in
- Odisha Police Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/odisha_police
