Puri Residents to Get Aadhaar-Based Special Entry to Jagannath Temple During Rath Yatra

Puri: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha government has announced a special access mechanism for residents of Puri town to enable smoother entry and darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple during the peak festival period.

The decision was announced by Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan following the second coordination meeting held to review preparations for the world-famous chariot festival.

As part of the arrangement, residents falling within the two postal PIN code zones of Puri town will be eligible to use the facility by producing Aadhaar cards for identity and residence verification. The system is being developed with support from the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC).

Officials said the initiative aims to address concerns of local devotees who often face difficulties accessing the temple during Rath Yatra because of the huge influx of pilgrims from across the country and overseas.

The minister clarified that the facility is intended exclusively for Puri residents and cannot be extended to relatives, friends or accompanying visitors.

Authorities are expected to announce the operational details and implementation framework of the Aadhaar-based entry arrangement before Rath Yatra begins.