The preparations for the 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad are in full swing. This grand event is set to take place in the month of Ashadha. One of the main attractions of the Rath Yatra is the beautifully adorned elephants. This year, 17 elephants are set to participate in the procession. The welfare of these elephants is being carefully monitored by the Animal Husbandry Department of Ahmedabad.
According to Suketu Upadhyay, the Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, continuous monitoring of the elephants’ physical and mental health began on June 23. Each elephant undergoes a health check-up, and health certificates are issued for them. The veterinary team ensures that any pests or diseases are dealt with promptly. Efforts are made to maintain the health of the elephants throughout this period.
Upadhyay mentioned that the monitoring will continue for three days leading up to the Rath Yatra. On the day of the event, a team from the Animal Husbandry Department, along with a team from the Forest Department, will be present with the elephants. This is to ensure that the elephants do not face any discomfort. They will also keep an eye on the elephants’ moods to prevent any unwanted incidents. In case an elephant becomes agitated, the Forest Department staff will be equipped with dart guns to manage the situation.
The Rath Yatra is a significant festival for Hindus, celebrated annually since 1878. It signifies the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balram and Subhadra, from their temple to their garden home. This year, special attention is being given to security measures and crowd management. The Ahmedabad police have announced that artificial intelligence will be employed for crowd alerts and fire alerts during the event.
The police have prepared for over 23,000 security personnel to ensure a safe environment for everyone attending the Rath Yatra. Traffic management and quick response teams are also in place to handle any incidents during the event. There will be 17 assistance centers set up along the 16-kilometre route of the Rath Yatra to aid the public.
In addition, safety measures will be taken to prevent people from gathering near old and dilapidated buildings along the route. Warning boards will be put up, and safety measures will be enforced to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants.
As the day approaches, the excitement builds in Ahmedabad. The Rath Yatra is not just a religious event; it is a celebration of community and culture. The beautiful elephants, the decorated chariots, and the devotion of the participants make this event a sight to behold. With the efforts being made to ensure the health of the elephants and the safety of the public, the Rath Yatra of 2025 promises to be a memorable and joyous occasion.
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