Ahmedabad: 144th Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad this morning was concluded in around 4 hours as the first of three chariots returned to Jagannath Mandir at around 10.48 am, way before estimated time of 12 noon. All three Raths returned to the temple by 10.55 am. They are going to stay parked through ought the day in Jagannath Mandir compound for darshan. Rath Yatra procession generally in normal years would end at 7 to 8 pm. However this year, due to Covid-19 pandemic, the yatra was participated by only three Raths and two vehicles. The yatra therefore concluded way ahead of noon. Due to curfew imposed on the route roughly across 11 police station areas fully and partially, there was no crowding for darshan of Rath Yatra. Those residing in road side buildings had darshan from their galleries. Some in Astodia area poured water and colorful papers to welcome the Raths. The yatra passed through its conventional route including communally sensitive areas of Shahpur. Police had done its homework properly and held number of meetings with residents on route. Police vehicles had blocked key passaged using its vehicles and force deployment to prevent entry of public on Rath Yatra route. Policemen dressed in saffron T-shirt would push the Raths for fast proceeding. Police men in black would clear the frontal side for the same. Rath pullers who went through RTPCR test and vaccination were dressed in white. They were fewer than normal years due to Covid protocol. The cooperation extended by the people was full. Post pandemic, Rath Yatra will be same again, with row of elephants at the start, followed by around 100 decorated trucks with tableau, akhara and bhajan mandlis. Many opined that last year Rath Yatra could be allowed to proceed in same fashion. The Rath Yatra began today morning with Pahind ceremony performed by Chief Minister in presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of State for Home. Ahead of that, an early morning Mangala aarti was performed by union home minister Amit Shah with his family members and his friend Ajay Patel, Chairman of Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank. Minister of State for Home meanwhile made announcement to lift curfew across 11 police station area (fully, partially) with effect from 11.30 am instead of scheduled time 2.00 pm as Rath Yatra concluded earlier than expected.

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