Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: AI-Enhanced Crowd Management Marks the Historic Festival
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/7th July 2024
The ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began at 11 am on Sunday, marking the start of the unique Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Amidst the resonant chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and the sounds of gongs, conches, and cymbals, Lord Sudarshan was first escorted to Darpadalan, the chariot of Devi Subhadra. This was followed by Lord Balabhadra being taken to his Taladhwaja chariot, and finally, Goddess Subhadra was brought to her Darpadalan chariot by servitors in a special procession.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a significant event in Odisha, believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple itself. This year, the festival, which began on July 7, witnessed the deployment of artificial intelligence technology to manage the massive crowds. Millions of devotees gather to glimpse the deities and participate in the rituals, making crowd control a critical aspect of the event’s success.
Preparations for the festival’s security start months in advance, highlighting its importance as one of the year’s biggest events in India. For the first time, authorities have employed AI-based CCTV coverage as a pilot project. According to Additional DGP, Odisha, Dayal Gangwar, around 40 CCTV cameras were placed at strategic points, integrated with AI to enhance surveillance. This innovative approach is expected to improve crowd management significantly.
Additionally, drones are being used to identify blind spots and traffic jam areas. These drones, equipped with public address systems, assist police officers in managing the crowd more efficiently. Every year, certain spots experience heavy traffic jams, and the use of drones aims to mitigate these issues.
Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Pinak Mishra reported that 180 platoons of security forces from both state and central governments have been deployed to ensure law and order during the festival. This extensive security apparatus reflects the authorities’ commitment to managing the event smoothly and ensuring the safety of all participants.
The Rath Yatra, with its ancient origins, features the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The festival commemorates the divine siblings’ journey from their paternal home to their aunt’s home. During the event, the deities are brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on their chariots amidst enthusiastic chanting and drumming. Devotees then pull the chariots along a three-kilometer route to the Gundicha Temple, a journey that takes several hours due to the large crowds and the ritualistic pulling of the chariots with ropes.
Constructing these chariots is an intricate process, requiring skilled artisans and several hundred man-hours. Each chariot is made from specific types of wood, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication involved in the festival preparations.
As the festival progresses, the vibrant and spiritually charged atmosphere of Puri draws millions of devotees, all eager to be part of this revered event. The integration of modern technology with traditional rituals exemplifies how the festival continues to evolve while maintaining its deep-rooted cultural and religious significance.
