DM announces precautionary measures for ‘Ratha Yatra’ festival

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 19, 2025

The state government has announced a slew of precautionary measures to ensure a safe and smooth ‘Ratha Yatra’ (chariot Journey), a major festival of the Sanatani Hindus in the state. A number of restrictions have been imposed on the organizers of the ‘Ratha Yatra’. This year the ‘Ratha Yatra’ festival will commence from June 27and will come to a close on July 5 , the day when the ‘Kharchi Mela and Utsav’ will also begin at Old Agartala .

Speaking to media persons, as quoted in a number of outlets, the DM (west) Vishal Kumar said that no ‘Ratha’ (chariot) will be allowed to be of more than 5 metres and no metallic substance will be allowed on any ‘Ratha’ or chariot. All the ‘Rathas’ to be taken out on June 27-be they old ones or newly built ones- will be inspected by the police or administrative authority before giving clearance for participation in the ritual journey. Besides, teams of NDRF and SDRF and volunteers of the organizers will have to be posted along the routes for keeping discipline as well as for providing emergency service in the event of any untoward incident. The permission for the organizers will be granted after due inspection by the police, traffic and administrative authority. During the actual movement of the ‘Ratha’ on the scheduled date personnel from the health , fire brigade and power will be posted along the route in suitable places.

The DM also sought co-operation from the common people so that the upcoming festival is organised smoothly and peacefully. In this regard he recalled the massive accident that happened during ‘Ratha Yatra’ on June 28 2023 when as many as eleven people had died and many more injured in Kumarghat because of the electricity charge on the ‘Ratha’ on the road . Even though the chief minister himself had rushed to Kumarghat after the misshap and give Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the bereaved families and Rs 2.50 lakhs to those injured the mishap has left a bitter memory which is still alive. Vishal Kumar said that such mishaps can not be allowed to recur and all possible measures are being taken to ensure safety of lives and properties this year and people must co-operate with the government for a smooth ‘Ratha Yatra’ festival.

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