On June 27, 2025, Puri, Odisha, witnessed the spectacular start of the annual Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees packed the Jagannath Temple precincts to pull the massive chariots Nandighosha (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (Subhadra) from the temple to the Gundicha Temple via the Pahandi procession. The route was ceremonially swept by the Gajapati King using a gold broom, symbolizing royal humility. Months of preparation preceded the event such as 3,000 kg of flowers adorned the temple entrance, vibrant folk music and dance accompanied the chariot pull and tight security. 200 police platoons, BSF, CRPF, and NSG ensured safety. Devotees chanted “Jai Jagannath” and “Hari Bol”, their fervor filling the city streets.

A vast sea of devotees has gathered in Puri for today’s Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra embark on their sacred 3 km journey to the Gundicha Temple. The city is under a five‑tier security blanket, with about 10,000 personnel including CAPF, BSF, and Odisha police deployed under “Operation Sindoor”. AI‑enabled CCTV, drones, snipers, and traffic controls reinforce safety. Meanwhile, similar celebrations unfold in Digha (its first-ever Yatra, presided by CM Mamata Banerjee) and Ahmedabad (148th Rath Yatra), attracting massive crowds and top leaders including PM Modi, President Murmu, and Amit Shah.

For the first time in 270 years, Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple has performed the Ashtabandha Kalasam, a rare and elaborate 12-day consecration ritual involving intricate Vedic rites. The ceremony began on May 27 and concluded on June 8 with the Lakshadeepam, where one lakh oil lamps illuminated the temple. The ritual, involving the reapplication of a unique Ayurvedic paste to the idol’s base, ensures the sanctity and preservation of the deity. Massive public participation and meticulous arrangements were overseen by the temple trust. The last such event was held in 1755 under Travancore King Marthanda Varma, making this consecration historically and spiritually significant. (PC: GQ India)

A cultural and political dispute has emerged between West Bengal and Odisha over the legacy of the Jagannath Temple. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is overseeing the construction of a ₹250 crore Jagannath temple in Digha, near the Odisha border, aiming for inauguration on April 30, 2025. This initiative has drawn criticism from Odisha, where the original 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri is facing structural concerns, including cracks in its boundary wall. Odisha's BJP and BJD parties are blaming each other for the damage, attributing it to unauthorized construction activities. The situation has intensified regional tensions, with both states asserting cultural claims over the Jagannath heritage. (PC: Stylin Campers & Scroll)

The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham reopened on May 2 at 7:00 AM, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, had been closed for six months due to winter. The reopening ceremony featured Vedic rituals, resonant chants of "Har Har Mahadev," and the showering of 40 quintals of flower petals, creating a divine atmosphere. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife Geeta Dhami attended the event, offering prayers and distributing prasad to devotees. The Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedar had journeyed from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to Kedarnath ahead of the opening. This annual pilgrimage, significant in Hinduism, continues until October-November, drawing devotees worldwide.

India's Places of Worship Act, 1991, which preserves the religious status of sites as of 15 August 1947, faces legal challenges from Hindu groups seeking to reclaim mosques allegedly built over demolished temples. A court-ordered survey of the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, sparked violent clashes, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries. The Supreme Court has halted such surveys nationwide, pending review of the Act's constitutionality. Critics argue the law infringes on religious freedoms and judicial review, while supporters warn that altering it could incite communal unrest. The controversy underscores escalating tensions over religious heritage and India's secular framework. (PC: The Independent & Getty Images)

Tensions flared in Kanpur's Rawatpur area as Hindu organizations protested the police removal of loudspeakers installed for the upcoming Ram Navami procession. Authorities cited administrative reasons for dismantling the sound systems, leading to immediate demonstrations. Protesters blocked roads and chanted slogans against law enforcement, prompting a heavy police deployment, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary, to maintain order. Senior officers engaged with protest leaders to defuse the situation, while BJP MLA Rahul Bacha Sonkar urged calm, assuring that grievances would be addressed promptly. (PC: CNBC & Hans India)

As Ram Navami approaches, Indian states are intensifying security measures to ensure peaceful celebrations. In Maharashtra, drones will monitor sensitive areas, while in West Bengal, authorities have established a 'Peace Room' to coordinate efforts. Kolkata Police have deployed 3,500 personnel, including senior officers, with additional forces on standby. In Howrah, drones will oversee processions, and liquor shops are ordered to close. The Hindu Jagran Manch plans 5,000 processions across West Bengal, prompting police to enforce strict regulations, including bans on public weapon displays. These precautions aim to prevent incidents like last year's clashes during the festivities. (PC: News 18 & Newsx)

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has mandated the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and prohibited the sale of meat within 500 meters of religious sites ahead of the Chaitra Navratri festival, commencing March 30. Special restrictions will be enforced on Ram Navami (April 6), with a complete ban on animal slaughter and meat sales. District-level committees, chaired by District Magistrates and comprising officials from various departments, have been established to ensure compliance. Violators will face strict punitive actions under relevant laws. (PC: Leader Biography & Wander On)

Two days after a grenade attack on Amritsar's Thakurdwara Temple, Punjab Police engaged in a confrontation with the suspects on March 17. The primary accused, Gursidak Singh, was fatally wounded during the encounter and later pronounced dead at a hospital. His accomplice, Vishal, managed to escape and is currently at large. The incident occurred in the Rajasansi area, where the suspects, upon being intercepted by law enforcement, abandoned their motorcycle and opened fire. This led to an exchange in which Head Constable Gurpreet Singh sustained injuries. The initial grenade attack on March 15 caused damage to the temple but resulted in no casualties. Authorities are investigating potential links to cross-border elements.