Reliance Foundation launches service initiative for Puri Rath Yatra pilgrims

Puri, : Reliance Foundation has launched a comprehensive service initiative during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri to support pilgrims with free meals, safe drinking water, police assistance and sanitation facilities from July 15 to July 27.

The foundation said the initiative is aimed at making the pilgrimage safer, smoother and more convenient for the lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the festival.

As part of the campaign, free satvik meals and safe drinking water are being provided to pilgrims. Around 90 police assistance centres along more than 50 kilometres of the Rath Yatra route are also being supported.

Nearly 1,000 police personnel deployed on duty will receive drinking water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), light refreshments and other essential support on a shift basis, the foundation said.

Volunteers have also been deployed to assist pilgrims, while a GIS-based digital platform will be used to coordinate service operations and improve response during the event.

Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani said serving devotees and those engaged in managing the festival was a privilege.

"The Puri Rath Yatra is a festival of faith for millions of people. Serving pilgrims, police personnel and everyone involved in the service of Lord Jagannath is our good fortune. Service to people is service to Lord Jagannath," he said.

According to Reliance Foundation, the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the local administration and other stakeholders to help ensure a safe, clean and well-organised pilgrimage for more than two million devotees expected to participate in the Rath Yatra.