Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): An Odissi dancer set to perform at the commencement of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri on Friday described the performance as a form of 'seva' (service) to Lord Jagannath.

While speaking to ANI, the dancer said, 'This is a form of 'seva'. I will be performing before Lord Jagannath today. The experience of this service, of performing before Lord Jagannath, is something different.'

Describing their attire, the dancer said, 'This is Lord Krishna's form. Devotees get to witness the Lord in this form and express their devotion.'

Another Odissi dancer also expressed gratitude for the opportunity. 'We are very fortunate that we have got an opportunity to perform Odissi dance before Lord Jagannath...We are very excited,' the dancer said.

Earlier on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu extended her warm greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad.

'On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. By witnessing Lord Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan on the chariot, millions of devotees experience divine bliss,' the President wrote in a post on X in Odia.

In her message, she prayed for global peace, friendship, and harmony. 'The human-like divine play of the deities is the speciality of the Rath Yatra. On this auspicious occasion, my prayer to the Lord is that peace, friendship, and harmony prevail throughout the world,' she added.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Rath Yatra. Puri DM Siddharth Swain on Thursday 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.'

The temple town of Puri is all set to witness the 2025 Jagannath Rath Yatra, which commences today. During the festival, devotees draw the grand chariots of the three deities -- Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister goddess Subhadra -- to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple. The Rath Yatra ceremony is expected to attract a large crowd, making traffic management a key issue. (ANI)