Adani @ Rath Yatra

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra goes hi-tech in 2025: Tradition meets technology

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of India’s most sacred and ancient festivals, enters a new era this year as it embraces technology like never before—making the world’s oldest chariot procession also one of the smartest-managed spiritual events in the country. While the soul of the yatra remains rooted in centuries-old tradition, the execution this year is powered by digital innovation, data intelligence, and seamless coordination—all to ensure safety, scale and sanctity.

Digital surveillance & crowd management
For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance drones and facial recognition cameras have been deployed along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to monitor real-time crowd movement. With over 12 lakh pilgrims expected to attend on 27 June, the first day of the nine-day annual festival, advanced heat-mapping technology helped security agencies preempt congestion and deploy response teams swiftly.

A centralised Command and Control Centre has been established in Puri, integrating feeds from 1,000+ CCTV cameras, emergency call systems, and global positioning system (GPS)-enabled monitoring of police and ambulance vehicles. This has not only improved law and order but has also ensured a quick response to medical and safety incidents.

Smart seva & digital engagement
The Odisha government, in collaboration with private partners and non-profit organisations like the Adani Foundation, has introduced quick response (QR) code-based services for accessing water booths, medical stations, and emergency help. Volunteers have been equipped with wearable technology and handheld devices to coordinate better, reducing confusion and improving response time in critical areas. For the first time, devotees could register digitally for virtual darshan, receive live multilingual commentary through an app, and access AR (augmented reality)/VR (virtual reality) experiences of the Rath Yatra from across the globe—allowing the spiritual energy of Puri to reach far beyond its geographic borders.

Eco-conscious and sustainable practices
Technology also has helped make the Rath Yatra greener. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart bins, bio-toilets, and real-time waste monitoring helped manage the enormous scale of sanitation needs. An integrated solar-powered water purification system is catering to lakhs of pilgrims sustainably.

In 2025, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra stands at the confluence of tradition and transformation. By going hi-tech without compromising the spirit of bhakti and seva, the festival became not just a symbol of religious devotion but also a case study in smart, inclusive, and scalable event management. It proves that in today’s India, even a centuries-old tradition can evolve gracefully—when devotion meets innovation.