A Divine Journey of Faith and Unity
Every year, the coastal town of Puri in Odisha transforms into a vibrant sea of devotion as lakhs of pilgrims gather for the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. This iconic chariot festival, celebrated with unmatched fervor, sees the deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — journeying from the sacred Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in grand wooden chariots. A symbol of faith, inclusion, and divine celebration, the Rath Yatra draws millions across religions, regions, and cultures.
In 2025, this spiritual event is being made even more meaningful through the multi-pronged seva initiatives by Reliance Industries Limited, in close partnership with the Puri district administration.
Commitment Rooted in ‘We Care’
At the heart of this initiative is Reliance Foundation’s unwavering commitment to seva, echoing its ‘We Care’ philosophy. “The opportunity to serve during Rath Yatra is truly a blessing. We are here to support every pilgrim’s journey — physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Shri Anant M Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries Limited.
Feeding Devotion: Anna Seva at Scale
Reliance Foundation is providing hot, nutritious meals to lakhs of devotees and police personnel at six strategic points along the yatra route. This massive Anna Seva ensures that no one walks the divine path on an empty stomach, reinforcing the spirit of care and hospitality.
Hygiene and Cleanliness First
To maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the pilgrimage, Reliance has installed contactless sanitiser stations, provided garbage bags in collaboration with the municipality, and extended sanitation support to police camps — crucial steps for a hygienic environment amidst large gatherings.
Order in Devotion: Smooth Crowd Management
With the expected surge of visitors, Reliance is aiding crowd control efforts through coordinated work with the police and local authorities. Directional signage and markers guide pilgrims safely through the city, reducing confusion and ensuring smooth darshan.
Volunteers in Action: The Human Touch
Over 4,000 trained volunteers are on the ground, assisting devotees, managing water points, and offering relief from the summer heat. Their visible uniforms and friendly presence add a comforting human element to this massive movement.
Relief from Heat and Rain
To combat the weather, over 1.5 lakh eco-friendly hand fans are being distributed to devotees. Simultaneously, 3,500 raincoats have been provided to frontline workers to ensure uninterrupted service even in monsoon showers.
Police and Safety Infrastructure
Reliance has also installed 100 police aid posts with shaded shelters to assist both pilgrims and police personnel. These points serve as hubs for help, hydration, and coordination — ensuring safety remains paramount.
Serving the Divine Through Humanity
The Rath Yatra is more than just a religious event — it’s a celebration of togetherness, tradition, and divine energy. With its thoughtful and holistic approach, Reliance Foundation has turned devotion into action, offering not just services but heartfelt support to every pilgrim’s journey.
As seen earlier this year during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Reliance’s dedication to serving spiritual congregations continues to shine. Through these efforts in Puri, the Foundation reiterates its core belief — that serving the people is serving the divine.
About Reliance Foundation
Led by Smt. Nita M Ambani, Reliance Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries, dedicated to addressing India’s pressing challenges through sustainable and scalable solutions. With impact in over 91,500 villages and cities, it remains a cornerstone of community upliftment across sectors like health, education, rural transformation, and heritage conservation.
(With agency inputs)
