Celebrations Begin for 148th Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is buzzing with excitement as preparations for the 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath are in full swing. This year, the festival will take place on June 27. The city police have made extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth event. Just a day before the yatra, Lord Jagannath donned a golden outfit, adorned with jewels and a golden crown, attracting a large crowd of devotees eager to witness the divine spectacle.

In a unique twist, this year, the festival committee invited children to dress up as various deities, including Lord Jagannath and his sister, Subhadra. These children were placed on the chariot before it was brought to the temple for worship. Traditionally, the Rath Yatra begins with rituals involving elephants and the chariot itself.

Before the chariot was worshipped, children dressed as Ganesha, Mahadev, and Navadurga led the procession into the temple courtyard. During the Rath Yatra, there will be a grand feast planned in Sarsapur. The local community has organized meals for the devotees who come to see Lord Jagannath. Food will be served in various lanes, including Kadiyawad, Gandhi ni Pol, Rudimani Pol, and Limdapol.

The meals will include lentils, rice, vegetables, puris, and sweets like boondi and laddus. The head priest of Mahakali Dham stated that around 18 kitchens are operating in Sarsapur, preparing for over 100,000 devotees who will partake in the prasadam.

In terms of safety, the Ahmedabad police have deployed more than 20,000 personnel for the event. For the first time, AI technology will be integrated into the security operations. The police commissioner conducted an inspection of the yatra route, accompanied by other senior officials to ensure everything runs smoothly. Multiple rehearsals were held on June 24 and 25 to prepare for the event, aiming to prevent any incidents similar to those that occurred in Bengaluru in the past.

As the day approaches, both residents and visitors are eagerly waiting to join in the festivities, celebrating faith, community, and tradition. The Rath Yatra is not just a religious event; it is a vibrant display of culture and unity, drawing people from various backgrounds together in joy and devotion.