Millions of devotees have gathered in Puri for the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. Hotels and lodges are full six months in advance. Now, the cost of a basic lodge has reached 50,000 rupees per night. Read the latest updates from Puri.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026

The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins on Thursday (July 16). The city of Puri is resonating with chants of "Jai Jagannath." Millions of devotees from India and abroad have arrived in this holy city to have darshan of their deity. But this time, devotees coming to this great Kumbh of faith are facing more difficulties in accommodation than in darshan. The condition of hotels and dharamshalas in Puri has become so bad that the budget of ordinary devotees has been completely disrupted.

The hotel was booked 6 months in advance.

Devotees are so enthusiastic about this year's Rath Yatra that nearly 95% of Puri's hotels, guest houses, and lodges were fully booked six months in advance. Those who didn't book in time are now scrambling for a room. All major areas of the city, including the Grand Road, the sea beach, and the temple's surroundings, are now completely empty.

Basic lodge prices exceed ₹50,000

The accommodation crisis in Puri has become so severe that hotel and lodge owners have started charging exorbitant prices. Basic lodges or standard rooms, which typically cost ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night, are now costing upwards of ₹50,000 per night.

Meanwhile, in some lodges located on the Grand Road, where windows or balconies offer direct views of the Rath Yatra, room prices have reached ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. It has become impossible for middle-class and poor families to stay in the city. Given the situation, many devotees are forced to spend the night under the open sky at railway stations, bus stands, and beaches.

Preparation of administration and arrangement of tent city

The Odisha government and the Puri district administration are on high alert due to the crowds and the high-handedness of the hotels. The administration has made several temporary arrangements for the convenience of devotees.

• Tent City: The administration has built tent cities on the outskirts of Puri, where arrangements have been made for the stay of thousands of devotees and free water and toilets have been provided for them.
• Helpline and strict monitoring: Special teams have been deployed to prevent black marketing and illegal hotel overcharges. The administration has urged travelers to contact the official helpline with any complaints.
• Security arrangements: More than 150 companies of security forces have been deployed in Puri to ensure a peaceful Rath Yatra. CCTV and drone cameras are monitoring the procession.