- India’s second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra to roll out on July 16 from the historic 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur with centuries-old rituals and unmatched spiritual fervour
- Union Home Minister Amitbhai Shah will take part in the Mangala Arti as Chief Guest on Thursday
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to perform the sacred ‘Pahind Vidhi’, continuing a revered tradition that symbolises humility before the Lord
- Grand procession to feature 18 decorated elephants, 101 cultural tableaux, 30 akhadas, 18 bhajan mandalis, 2,500 saints and over 1,000 khalasis pulling the three divine chariots
- Temple unveils an elaborate four-day spiritual calendar featuring Netrotsav, Sona Vesh, Gajaraj Pujan, Mangala Aarti and tribal dance performances before the historic yatra
- The 149th edition once again celebrates Ahmedabad’s enduring message of communal harmony, cultural pride and India’s living civilisational heritage
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JULY 13
The heartbeat of Ahmedabad is once again preparing to resonate with chants of “Jai Jagannath” as the city readies itself for the 149th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, one of India’s oldest and most revered religious processions, on Thursday, July 16.
Beginning from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, the annual chariot festival—recognised as India’s second-largest Rath Yatra after Puri—will transform the city’s historic streets into a vibrant confluence of spirituality, devotion and communal harmony, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country.
The historic procession will traverse its traditional route after receiving official permission from the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, preserving a centuries-old tradition cherished by generations of devotees.
In keeping with an enduring custom, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will perform the sacred ‘Pahind Vidhi’—the symbolic sweeping of the path before the Lord’s chariots with a golden broom—before ceremonially flagging off the yatra. The ritual signifies humility, equality and selfless service before the Almighty.
The spectacular procession will feature:
- 18 magnificently decorated elephants
- 101 tableaux depicting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage
- 30 traditional akhadas showcasing martial arts and physical feats
- 18 bhajan mandalis
- Three marching bands
- Around 1,000 to 1,200 khalasis pulling the three sacred chariots
- Nearly 2,500 saints and seers arriving from Haridwar, Ayodhya, Nashik, Ujjain, Jagannath Puri and various parts of Saurashtra.
The celebrations will begin well before Rath Yatra day.
On July 14, the pre-Rath Yatra rituals will commence at 8.00 a.m. with the ceremonial installation (Pratishtha) of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra on the Ratna Vedi (jeweled pedestal) inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, followed by the sacred Netrotsav Puja. The deities will be worshipped with the traditional Shodashopachara Puja (16-step Vedic ritual). Thereafter, amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns, the customary ritual of covering the eyes of the deities with a sacred cloth will be performed, symbolising the commencement of the Netrotsav observance.
At 9.30 a.m., the Dhwajarohan (Flag Hoisting Ceremony) will take place in the presence of Jagdish Vishwakarma, President, BJP Gujarat; Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home, Police Housing, Prisons, Law and Justice, Government of Gujarat; Rushikesh Patel, Cabinet Minister for Energy & Petrochemicals, Panchayat and Rural Housing; Jitu Vaghani, Cabinet Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding; Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, and other distinguished dignitaries.
At 11.00 a.m., a ceremonial felicitation of saints and seers will be held, with Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil attending as the Chief Guest.
On July 15, devotees will witness the resplendent Sona Vesh (Golden Attire) Darshan, followed by the consecration of the three chariots and the traditional Gajaraj Pujan, before the Chief Minister offers a special evening prayer and aarti.
The festivities will culminate on July 16, beginning with the Mangala Aarti at 4 a.m. in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, followed by the offering of Khichdi Bhog, vibrant tribal dance and Raas-Garba performances, the ceremonial opening of the deities’ eyes after Netrotsav, and finally the divine entry of the deities into their chariots before the Rath Yatra commences at 7 a.m.
Adding to the festive spirit, the temple has made elaborate arrangements to serve devotees throughout the procession.
The Mahaprasad distribution will include nearly:
- 45,000 kg of sprouted green gram (moong)
- 500 kg each of jamun and mangoes
- 400 kg of cucumbers
- Pomegranates
- More than two lakh packets of prasad
The chariots will travel through Ahmedabad’s traditional route covering prominent landmarks including Delhi Chakla, Shahpur Gate, R.C. High School, Gheekanta, Panjrapole, Kalupur Circle and Saraspur, before returning to the temple by around 8.30 p.m. Devotees can also avail themselves of online darshan through the temple’s official website. (jagannathjiahd.org)
With extensive civic preparations, enhanced security arrangements and coordinated efforts by the administration, Ahmedabad is preparing to host yet another peaceful and magnificent celebration of faith, reinforcing the Rath Yatra’s enduring legacy as a festival that transcends religion, inspires unity and celebrates Gujarat’s rich cultural ethos.
