Bhubaneswar: The state govt has set Rath Yatra-2027 as the deadline to introduce a revised “Rath code” — a comprehensive set of guidelines for conducting the annual chariot festival in Puri.Currently, the festival is managed under the Rath code framed in 1983. Arabind Kumar Padhee, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said that the process of updating the 43-year-old SOP has already begun under the supervision of the law department.“The proposed new Rath code will be a more comprehensive compilation of guidelines, aligning with reforms introduced over the years in the temple and administrative arrangements for the festival. The revised version will clearly specify roles and responsibilities of the departments concerned, SJTA, and servitors ensuring smooth inter-departmental coordination and execution of plans. Our sole objective is to ensure smooth conduct of Rath Yatra,” Padhee said.The redrafted code will be finalised only after approval by the temple management committee. Chief secretary Anu Garg recently reviewed the progress of the revision work. “The Rath code will be formally unveiled on a suitable date and come into effect during Rath Yatra 2027,” a senior govt official said.According to sources, Garg instructed departments to discard inflexible, old methods and adopt agile, progressive frameworks to effectively handle the enormous influx of pilgrims. The stampede on June 29 last year – the third day of Rath Yatra — which led to three deaths outside Gundicha Temple, also prompted officials to initiate a comprehensive review of the framework.According to temple sources the new code will incorporate modern crowd management strategies, use technology and stricter discipline will be enforced among the servitors. It will also detail the process of chariot construction and the proper use of wooden logs.Senior servitor Jogendra Dasmohapatra said, “Discipline is not just a rule; it is devotion in action. When we serve with order, we serve with love.”According to devotee Chinmay Patra, “The sight of the Lord’s chariot is overwhelming, but safety must be part of our devotion. The new code should protect both faith and lives.”
