Reliance to provide food, sanitation and support services during Puri Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, Reliance has announced a multi-pronged support initiative in collaboration with the Puri administration to assist pilgrims and frontline personnel during the festival.

The initiative, titled ‘Puri Rath Yatra Seva Services 2026’, will be implemented from July 15 to 27 and covers a range of services, including food distribution, sanitation, volunteer support, public infrastructure, health awareness and technology-enabled coordination to facilitate smoother management of the annual pilgrimage.

The annual Rath Yatra, which begins on July 16, witnesses the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, drawing millions of devotees from across the country.

Reliance Foundation will organise Anna Seva, serving freshly prepared satvik meals and safe drinking water to pilgrims and frontline workers through a central kitchen. A dedicated food distribution centre has also been set up at Bholanath High School on Grand Road.

To strengthen operational planning, the company has introduced a GIS-based digital platform for monitoring, verification and coordination of seva activities during the festival.

As part of the arrangements, Reliance is supporting the establishment of around 90 Police Aid Posts along more than 50 kilometres of key pilgrimage routes. The initiative also includes providing drinking water, ORS and refreshments to nearly 1,000 police personnel deployed in shifts during the festival.

Volunteers will assist devotees with route guidance, crowd management and essential information, while sanitation workers and volunteer organisations will be supplied with garbage bags and protective gloves in coordination with the Puri Municipality to maintain cleanliness in high-footfall areas.

The programme also includes awareness campaigns on health, hygiene and public safety for pilgrims and local residents. According to Reliance, the combined initiatives are expected to support the movement and well-being of over 20 lakh devotees during the festival.

Commenting on the initiative, Anant M. Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, said serving pilgrims during Rath Yatra is an opportunity to contribute to society through meaningful service.

“Service to Humanity is Service to God. By serving pilgrims and frontline personnel during Rath Yatra, we are serving the divine. We remain committed to supporting the administration by enhancing nutrition, safety and sanitation,” he said.

Reliance said it has been associated with Rath Yatra service initiatives for several years, providing assistance ranging from food and drinking water to medical support and cleanliness drives. This year’s programme has been expanded to further strengthen public support infrastructure and improve the overall pilgrimage experience in coordination with the district administration.