Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2025, the 148th annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, is set to roll out with grand devotion and elaborate security arrangements. Held every year on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (Ashadhi Beej), this vibrant procession is India’s second-largest Rath Yatra after Puri and is witnessed by lakhs of devotees from across the state and beyond.

Rath Yatra 2025: Date and Timings

This year, the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra will take place on June 27, Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, 2025, beginning at 7:00 AM from the historic 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur and returning by 8:00 PM after completing a 16-km route through the Old City.

Significance

The tradition of annual Rath Yatra in the city began in 1878, initiated by Mahant Shree Narsinhdasji Maharaj. On this sacred day, it is believed that Lord Jagannath himself ventures out to bless devotees, especially those who cannot visit the temple.

Before the Rath Yatra begins, festivities start with the Mangla Aarti, traditionally performed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah since many years around 4:30 AM. After that, the Gujarat Chief Minister performs the revered Pahind Vidhi, a ritual of sweeping the road with a golden broom, and then ceremonially pulls the Rath out of the temple.

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

Ahmedabad Rath Yatra Route 2025

Lord Jagannath’s, brother Balbhadra’s, and sister Subhadra’s chariots will travel their historical 16-km distance via the heart of Ahmedabad from the historic Jagannath Mandir at Jamalpur. The procession goes through major points like Jamalpur Chakla, Vaishya Sabha, Gollimda, Astodia Chakla, Madangopal ni Haveli, Raipur Chakla, Khadia Juni Gate, Khadia Crossroads, Panchkuva, Kalupur Circle, and Kalupur Bridge. One of the highlights is the stop at Saraspur, where pilgrims are offered a lavish feast by locals at the Shri Ranchhodraiji Mandir.

On the way back, the Rath Yatra passes through Kalupur Chokha Bazar, Prem Darwaja—the start of sensitive Muslim-majority zones—then Dariyapur, Shahpur Halim ni Khadki, Rangila Police Chowky, Delhi Chakla, Ghee Kanta, Pankor Naka, Manek Chowk, and Khamasa, before ending at the Jagannath Mandir in Jamalpur. This grand route is not only a show of religious pomp but also the ingrained communal amity and cultural cohesion of the city.

Live Streaming and Online Coverage

Given the thousands present at the Rath Yatra, for those who are unable to attend in person, live streaming of Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2025 will be available across multiple platforms, including national broadcaster Doordarshan, as well as local television channels and digital portals, allowing devotees to experience the divine journey from home.

Highlights of the Procession

The Rath Yatra is a spectacular cultural and spiritual event, now celebrated as the “Lokotsav” (People’s Festival) of Gujarat. Key attractions include:

• 18 decorated elephants

• 100 trucks with religious tableaux

• 30 Akhadas (martial art troupes) performing stunts

• Bhajan Mandalis, Raas-Garba groups, and traditional bands

• The Holy Trinity’s chariots, pulled by members of the Khalashi community, as per centuries-old tradition