- Anna Seva, GIS-enabled coordination and volunteer network come together to serve over 20 lakh devotees and frontline personnel
- Reliance Foundation partners Puri administration to strengthen nutrition, sanitation, public safety and crowd management
- Around 90 Police Aid Posts, support for 1,000 police personnel and hygiene initiatives reinforce pilgrimage infrastructure
- Tech-driven ‘Puri Annaseva 2026 GIS Platform’ enhances planning, monitoring and seamless field coordination
- Anant M Ambani says serving pilgrims and frontline workers during Rath Yatra is an act of serving the divine
NE SPIRITUAL BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 16
As the sacred chants of “Jai Jagannath” resonate across the holy city of Puri and millions of devotees converge to witness one of India’s most revered spiritual traditions, Reliance Foundation has transformed devotion into compassionate action, rolling out an expansive Puri Rath Yatra Seva Services 2026 initiative that blends Anna Seva, technology, volunteerism, sanitation and public safety to support pilgrims and the frontline personnel safeguarding the divine journey.
Designed in close partnership with the Puri administration, the multi-dimensional initiative reflects Reliance’s ‘WeCare’ philosophy, strengthening on-ground infrastructure and public support to ensure that the annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is experienced in a safer, cleaner and more organised manner by more than 20 lakh devotees expected to visit the temple town.
Beginning July 16, the revered Rath Yatra marks the symbolic journey of the sibling deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad in one of the world’s largest annual religious congregations.
Recognising the immense logistical challenge of managing such a massive spiritual gathering, Reliance Foundation has deployed an integrated network of Anna Seva centres, GIS-enabled operational monitoring, volunteer support, Police Aid Posts, sanitation initiatives and public awareness campaigns, while extending dedicated assistance to the police and other frontline agencies working tirelessly during the festival.
“Service to Humanity is Service to God. This is something we deeply believe in. This year, building on our long-standing commitment to serve people especially at times like this where millions gather, we see an opportunity to offer service to people at Puri as truly a blessing. We believe that by serving pilgrims and personnel during Rath Yatra, we are serving the divine. We are committed to enhancing nutrition, safety and sanitation, to make not just journeys smoother but to also lend a helping hand to the administration,” said Anant M Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries Limited.
At the heart of the initiative is Anna Seva, with freshly prepared satvik meals and safe drinking water being served free of cost to pilgrims and frontline workers from July 15 to 27 through a centralised kitchen. A dedicated serving facility has also been established at Bholanath High School on Grand Road, one of the busiest stretches of the pilgrimage route.
To ensure efficient execution of the large-scale operation, Reliance Foundation has introduced the ‘Tech for Seva – Puri Annaseva 2026 GIS Platform’, enabling real-time planning, monitoring, verification and documentation of service activities while improving coordination and decision-making across multiple field teams.
The initiative further strengthens public safety by supporting the establishment of nearly 90 Police Aid Posts spread across more than 50 kilometres of key pilgrimage routes, including temple access roads, transit corridors, medical zones, major intersections and coastal areas.
Around 1,000 police personnel deployed on rotational shifts are also receiving drinking water, ORS, refreshments and essential support to help them perform extended duties under demanding conditions.
A large network of volunteers is assisting devotees with route guidance, crowd movement, safety information and emergency support, while sanitation workers and community organisations have been equipped with garbage bags and protective gloves to maintain cleanliness across high-footfall areas.
Reliance Foundation is also conducting awareness campaigns promoting hygiene, health and public safety, reinforcing a collective commitment towards a cleaner and more responsible pilgrimage.
The company noted that its association with the Puri Rath Yatra spans several years, during which it has consistently partnered with government agencies in providing food, drinking water, medical assistance and sanitation support during the festival.
With this year’s expanded programme combining faith, technology and social service, Reliance Foundation aims to create a pilgrimage experience where compassion complements devotion and every pilgrim, volunteer and frontline worker receive the care and support they deserve.
