Puri: The nine-day Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri concluded with the Niladri Bije ritual on Monday night, bringing the annual chariot festival to a close. Officials said the festival witnessed a record turnout of 4 to 5 million (40 to 50 lakh) devotees.

As part of the traditional Niladri Bije rituals, Lord Jagannath symbolically appeased Goddess Mahalaxmi by offering Rasagola before re-entering the Srimandir. The atmosphere at the Singhadwara remained deeply devotional during Niladri Bije, with devotees enthusiastically participating in the concluding rituals despite the rain. 

In spite of the inclement weather, the rituals were conducted according to schedule. The Charamala was tied at 7:55 pm, followed by the Pahandi procession. Lord Balabhadra's Pahandi began at around 9:20 pm, while Lord Jagannath entered the temple at around 12:50 am.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said the Rath Yatra was completed in an orderly and peaceful manner through the coordinated efforts of the Central Government, Odisha Government, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, and the police. He also thanked the servitors for ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival despite the challenging weather conditions.

Padhee noted that providing security and managing the movement of an estimated 4 to 5 million devotees was a major task, but the arrangements ensured the successful completion of the festival.

Servitor Jagannath Swain Mohapatra said the steadily increasing number of devotees presents a growing challenge for festival management. He suggested that the government should begin planning now with a vision for the next 100 years to accommodate the rising pilgrim influx. He described the 2026 Rath Yatra as the best-organised festival he had witnessed in his lifetime.