148th Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath Celebrated in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, the 148th Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath took place today, marking a significant event for devotees. The Jal Yatra is a ritual that precedes the famous Rathyatra and is celebrated on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Beej. This year, it started from the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple. Devotees gathered with great enthusiasm, bringing along elephants, bands, and flags to join the procession. The procession was lively and colourful, attracting many spectators.

After the procession, the Lord was bathed with water brought from the river. Devotees, including saints and former political leaders, performed a special water ritual called Jalabhishek. They offered various items such as milk, curd, sugar, and honey as part of the bathing ceremony. Tulsi leaves, which are dear to Lord Jagannath, were also presented during the ceremony.

Following the bathing ceremony, an Aarti was performed. The Aarti is a traditional devotional song sung to worship the deity. After this, the Lord was adorned with a special dress known as Gajavesh, which is worn only once a year during this occasion.

In addition to the religious rituals, a special feast was arranged for the saints. They enjoyed traditional dishes such as dholi dal, kali roti (malpua), and milk rice. The head priest, Dilipdasji Maharaj, ensured that all saints received generous offerings as part of the celebrations.

This year, a new method was introduced for the water gathering. Due to the emergence of a water source, an AC cruise was used to collect water directly from the middle of the Sabarmati River. The head priest, along with trustees and political leaders, boarded the cruise to fetch water for the Jalabhishek. After returning, the river was also honoured with an Aarti, marking the end of the ritual.

The Jal Yatra not only signifies the deep faith of the devotees but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. It brings together people from various backgrounds, uniting them in a spirit of devotion and celebration. As the Rathyatra approaches, the excitement and anticipation among the devotees continue to grow. This event highlights the importance of traditions in our lives and reinforces the community spirit among the people of Ahmedabad.