Kolkata Under Tight Security for Rath Yatra Celebrations

Apart from these 2,000 policemen, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Heavy Radio Flying Squad (HRFS) vans have been deployed at strategic locations and junctions to ensure absolute security over the processions. Apart from that, drones are also being used by the city police for aerial surveillance.

As per information available with the city police, more than 80 Ratha Yatra processions are scheduled in the city for the day, and the police administration is not taking chances in its attempts to prevent any unfortunate incident.

The main procession organised by ISKCON will start from the society’s office at Albert Road in central Kolkata and end at the Brigade Parade Ground. It will also move through various areas in both South and Central Kolkata, giving people an opportunity to join the procession.

The Chief Minister will remain present at the beginning of the procession and inaugurate the event by pulling the rope of the Rath. He is also scheduled to walk some distance along with the procession.

From there, he will rush to his native district of East Midnapore and take part in Rath Yatra functions there.

The state government this time has adopted several initiatives concerning the Rath Yatra. The government has decided to provide financial assistance to 60 Rath Yatra committees this year. Each committee is being given Rs 5 lakh. Accordingly, a total grant of Rs 3 crore has been allocated.

The state government claims that this financial assistance will play an important role in better organising the traditional Rath Yatra and related cultural activities in different parts of the state.