1500 BJP Yuva Morcha volunteers form human chain during Jagannath Rath Yatra, carve lifeline for ambulances through sea of devotion
by Utsav RoyApproximately 1500 BJP Yuva Morcha volunteers created a human chain within the large crowd at Lord Jagannath Rath Yatrai, ensuring unobstructed ambulance access and demonstrating their strong commitment to serving the public during the event.
The incident took place in Puri district, in Odisha, on June 27.
Visuals show that nearly 1500 volunteers from BJP Yuva Morcha joined hands to form a human chain amid the huge crowd at Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, creating an open corridor to allow ambulances to pass through swiftly, reflecting their commitment to public safety and emergency response during the festival.
According to reports, Puri witnessed the resplendent launch of Lord Jagannath’s annual Rath Yatra on Friday, greeted with drums, conches, and an ocean of devotion. As custom dictates, the procession began with Taladhwaja, the towering chariot of Lord Balabhadra. Jubilant devotees gripped the thick ropes and, with a single heave, set the massive wooden car rolling. After advancing a short distance, temple officials signalled a pause so accompanying rites could be performed and the crowd could settle. Darpadalana and Nandighosha, the crimson‑and‑black chariot of Goddess Subhadra and the yellow carriage of Lord Jagannath, followed suit, each moving briefly before being stationed side‑by‑side near the shrine’s gateway.
Exactly at 3 p.m., Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the ceremonial monarch of Puri, arrived in regal attire. Upholding the centuries‑old Chhera Pahanra tradition, he mounted the chariot platforms and, wielding a golden‑handled broom, swept around the wheels while sprinkling sandalwood water and flower petals. This act of humility, performed under a blazing afternoon sun and the rhythmic chant of priests, underscores that even a king stands in service before the deity, reinforcing the Rath Yatra’s egalitarian essence.
With the cleansing rite complete, preparations began for the three‑kilometre journey to Gundicha Mandir. Legend holds this shrine to be the residence of the siblings’ maternal aunt, and their annual visit signifies familial affection as well as divine grace. In the hours ahead, thousands of pilgrims, many barefoot and singing kirtans, will tug the ropes, believing each pull erases sins and brings blessings. Residents drape rooftops with garlands, volunteers arrange drinking‑water stalls, and security personnel coordinate medical aid points to ensure safety. The spectacle, a blend of faith, history, and vibrant pageantry, reaffirms Puri’s cultural heart‑beat and draws spectators from across India and the world every year.