July 8, 2025
Subject: Essential Relief Support for Frontline Workers at Puri Rath Yatra 2025 – July 7
Recognisable Volunteer Identity Through Co-Branded T-Shirts
In collaboration with the Additional District Magistrate, Puri, Reliance Foundation provided co-branded District Administration T-shirts to volunteers from NGOs and community networks associated with the District Administration, Puri. These volunteers are supporting the District Administration in various ways during Puri Rath Yatra 2025. The T-shirts prominently display the word “VOLUNTEER”, along with the RF logo and District Administration Rath Yatra logo, enabling easy identification by pilgrims seeking support. The T-shirts are yellow in colour, ensuring high visibility and quick recognition.
One such organisation, The BELL, has networked with the Municipality to offer seva services by providing wheelchair assistance to elderly and specially-abled pilgrims visiting Lord Jagannath and Gundicha Temples, as well as the three sacred chariots—Darpadalana (Subhadra), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Nandighosha (Jagannath). All volunteers from The BELL also wear the co-branded T-shirts. The services were observed by the newly appointed District Collector, Mr Chanchal Rana.
🎥 Seva Services Visuals: https://youtu.be/oLGdmDPfkKM
Support for Temple Staff During Adhara Pana Ritual
On 7th July 2025, during the sacred Adhara Pana ritual—when herbal drinks are offered to the deities on the chariots—the One Reliance Team distributed 5,600 goody bags and hand fans to frontline personnel from the Jagannath Temple ecosystem. Beneficiaries included the housekeeping staff, temple administrative team, Parikrama Prakalpa workforce, security personnel, and supporting staff.
This provision was vital in helping them maintain energy and hydration during continuous seva duties, while the hand fans helped relieve the heat and humidity during breaks and after duties. The following key officials were present during the distribution:
- Sri Alok Kumar Nag, Assistant Administrator, OAS
- Mr Sudhakar Pradhan, Head Clerk, Jagannath Temple Administration
- Mr Gaurav Hari Ray, Member, Jagannath Temple Administration
- Mr Soban, Head, Cleaning Staff
🎥 Seva Services Visuals: https://youtu.be/b3OIOF-gJko
Distribution of Goody Bags to Sanitation Workers at Multiple Locations
On 7th July 2025, 550 goody bags were distributed to sanitation workers of Puri Municipality and Jagruti-organised teams, who were actively involved in cleaning the Grand Road—stretching from Lord Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
The distribution was carried out at two key locations:
· Puri Municipality, in the presence of Mr Sudipta Patra, Steno Executive Officer
· Bholanath High School, where the goody bags were handed over late at night directly to the sanitation workers who had been working tirelessly throughout the day
This timely support acknowledged their relentless efforts and provided essential refreshment after a long and demanding work schedule.
🎥 Seva Services Visuals: https://youtu.be/naS-AmklQFA
Critical Energy Support for Police Personnel Across 34 Locations
On 7th July 2025, Reliance Foundation distributed 4,000 goody bags to police personnel stationed at 34 accommodation locations across Puri. These personnel, working in three rotational shifts to manage the crowd during the Rath Yatra, play a pivotal role in maintaining order and safety.
The goody bags included ORS tetra packs, nimbu pani bottles, and biscuits—critical essentials to sustain their energy levels, especially in the sweltering heat and high humidity. These simple yet impactful items provided much-needed refreshment and hydration to help them carry out their duties energetically and efficiently.
Often, the health and well-being of such frontline personnel go unnoticed amidst the larger festivities. This support acknowledges their silent dedication and ensures they are not overlooked.
🎥 Seva Services Visuals: https://youtu.be/-RZsHv-1YGA
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Senthilkumaran
Mobile (Jio) 7738006352