Puri, June 26 -- Preparations for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, set to commence on Friday in Puri, are in their final stages, with elaborate arrangements in place for the grand festival.

District Magistrate Siddharth Swain and Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal provided updates on the planning underway to ensure a smooth and secure event.

Officials stated that elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Yatra.

Puri DM Siddharth Swain stated, "The three chariots have been brought to their designated place for their Gundicha Yatra tomorrow. The preparations are in the final stage. The rituals inside the temple are also underway in their sequence. Elaborate security arrangements have been made. NSG is also present here....