All ready,procession to begin at 7 am

Around 15,000 security personnel have been deployed to keep a close watch on the procession and the areas it passes through.

The procession will consist of 98 trucks,30 “akhadas” and 15 “bhajan mandalis”. Eighteen elephants from the temple will march with the procession. Kankaria Zoo authorities have deployed special staff to prevent any untoward incident in case the gentle giants run amok.

Jagannath Temple authorities have prepared around 21,000 kg prasad of “khichdi” for the devotees to be distributed after the “Managala Aarti” early Sunday morning. Huge quantities of mangoes,dates,cucumber and other fruits given by the devotees have been collected to be distributed among the people visiting the procession on Sunday.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi will sweep Lord Jagannath’s chariot with a golden broom to commence the rathyatra.

At Saraspur,considered to be the maternal home of Lord Jagannath,approximately 15,000 people are likely to be served food by local residents during the afternoon break.

The procession is also a big security challenge for the administration.

Although there are no intelligence inputs this year suggesting any threat,state police have thrown a massive security blanket in the city.

Apart from police,personnel from Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF),Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF),Border Security Force (BSF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have also been deployed.

The three chariots have been equipped with GPS devices and would be accompanied by five PCR vans also equipped with GPS systems. Bomb Disposal Squads and Dog Squads would also move along with the chariots.

Twenty-four watch towers have been installed in the sensitive areas,where RPF personnel will stand guard. The state ATS has deployed 200 commandos to guard the religious procession.