All arrangements were made to the tee as the Puri district administration expected the arrival of more than 10 lakh pilgrims on Wednesday. The entire town, including the surroundings of Jagannath Temple, chariots, Royal Palace of Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, Gundicha temple and the sea beach have been fortified with gun-toting cops occupying vantage points to meet any eventuality. Cops are especially on their toes in the wake of the recent terror strike in Dhaka. Over 7,000 cops have been mobilized in Puri for the festivity.

"Though we have not received any specific alert from the Centre, we are ready to meet any eventuality. Adequate numbers of CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations. We have also augmented the coastal security," director general of police K B Singh said.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

As many as 145 platoons of police force, including anti-Naxal squads, special tactical unit and quick reaction teams and two companies of rapid action force (RAF) have been mobilized in Puri.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

The Grand Road where the three iconic chariots will roll wore a bridal look. All the buildings along Grand Road have been painted with uniform ivory colour to add visual delight to the festival.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

The pulling of the chariots is scheduled to start between 3.30 pm and 4 pm. Devotees can expect clement weather as the regional meteorological experts have predicted mild drizzle on Wednesday. Unlike the past two years, devotees will be allowed to touch the chariots only after they reach the Gundicha Temple. "Devotees are strictly prohibited to climb the chariots throughout the nine days. However, they can touch the chariots only at Gundicha Temple," said temple's chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra.

Over Rs 2 crore has been spent for this year's Rath Yatra. According to sources around Rs 40 lakh was spent for the making of the chariots.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]