Ahmedabad: The City is gearing up for the 147th Jagannath Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings Subhadra and Balbhadra, set to commence on Sunday morning. This annual procession, marking Ashadi Beej, holds great significance for devotees and residents alike.

Before the Rath Yatra kicks off, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will perform the auspicious Mangala Aarti of Bhagwan Jagannath at around 4:30 am. Following this, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will conduct the traditional Pahind ceremony. This ritual involves cleansing the path of the Raths with a golden broom and pulling the raths outside the Mandir in Ahmedabad’s Jamalpur area.

Traditionally, the Pahind ceremony in Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra is performed by the head of the erstwhile royal family of Odisha, whereas in Ahmedabad, it is carried out by the Chief Minister, a testament to the cultural fusion observed during the festival.

The Grand Procession:

The Rath Yatra begins with a march of elephants, followed by elaborately decorated trucks distributing prasad to devotees. Akharians showcase their skills through stunts during the procession. The Raths of Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, accompanied by bhajan mandalis, proceed through Ahmedabad in two phases.

In the first phase, the Yatra proceeds from Jagannath Mandir to Saraspur, where the local community hosts a grand lunch. Later, in the afternoon, the procession returns to the Mandir, passing through sensitive areas. The Rath Yatra typically begins around 7 am and concludes by 7 pm, adhering to established traditions.

Security Arrangements for 147th Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024:

To ensure a safe and smooth event, city police have implemented comprehensive security measures. Over 22,000 personnel, including the BSF, Rapid Action Force, and State Reserve Police, will be deployed along the 16-km yatra route and key locations. Surveillance includes 20 drones, balloon-mounted cameras, 1,733 body-worn cameras, and 1,400 CCTV cameras installed by local shopkeepers. Face detection technology will further enhance security by identifying potential threats.

As Ahmedabad anticipates the vibrant Rath Yatra, these measures underscore the city’s commitment to hosting a secure and memorable event for participants and spectators alike. DeshGujarat