Tech Meets Tradition: IIT and IIM Students to Streamline Puri Rath Yatra 2025

In a groundbreaking initiative, students from India’s prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are set to transform the management of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri, Odisha, through a cutting-edge Public Systems and Infrastructure Internship. Organized by the Puri District Administration, this program harnesses the power of technology and management expertise to streamline the logistics of one of the world’s largest religious festivals. By integrating a new festival tech app, these students aim to enhance the devotee experience, marking a significant milestone in blending tradition with innovation. Recent reports highlight this as a pioneering effort to modernize cultural event management in India.

The Rath Yatra, scheduled from June 27 to July 5, 2025, attracts millions to Puri to witness the iconic chariot procession of Lord Jagannath. Managing such a colossal event demands precision in crowd management, sanitation, emergency services, and digital engagement. The internship, a first-of-its-kind, engages top students to address these challenges over a 10–15-day period. Their tasks include analyzing crowd behavior, optimizing public infrastructure, and improving seva stall operations. Official statements emphasize that the students’ insights will inform future editions of the festival, creating a blueprint for managing large-scale events across India.

Central to this initiative is the Shree Jagannatha Dham app, launched by Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain. This app provides real-time updates on ritual timings, queue wait times, and festival arrangements, ensuring a smoother experience for devotees. The interns will enhance the app’s functionality, integrating features like live crowd monitoring and emergency alerts to improve accessibility and safety. Recent posts on X reflect public excitement, with users describing the app as a “digital bridge” for devotees, though some stress the need for robust testing to handle the festival’s scale. The app’s role underscores Odisha’s push toward digital transformation in cultural events.

Facilitated by Chaaipani, a branding and storytelling agency, the internship embodies the concept of “Seva through System Building.” Puri Collector Swain noted that the Rath Yatra offers a unique opportunity for students to witness nation-building at a grand scale, combining logistics, culture, and public service. The students’ projects will generate actionable recommendations for event planning and inter-agency coordination, potentially setting a standard for other festivals. Experts praise this approach, noting that it equips young minds with practical experience in public administration while addressing real-world challenges.

The involvement of IIT students, known for their technical expertise, and IIM students, with their management acumen, ensures a multidisciplinary approach. Their work includes designing sanitation systems, refining emergency response protocols, and enhancing digital citizen engagement. Recent reports indicate strong interest in the program, with applications flooding in from across India. This initiative aligns with the Odisha government’s broader vision, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to integrate technology into governance, as seen in efforts like the translation of IGNOU materials into Odia.

While the program has sparked enthusiasm, some experts caution that its success hinges on effective execution. The Rath Yatra’s scale presents unique challenges, and ensuring the app’s reliability under high user demand is critical. Public sentiment on X reflects optimism but also calls for transparency in how student recommendations will be implemented. Nevertheless, the initiative positions Odisha as a leader in leveraging youth talent and technology to preserve cultural heritage while enhancing efficiency.

As the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 approaches, the collaboration between IITs, IIMs, and the Puri District Administration promises to redefine festival management. By merging modern management with spiritual significance, this effort ensures a safer and more accessible experience for millions, setting a precedent for innovative governance in India’s cultural landscape.