This morning, the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was taking place peacefully in Ahmedabad. Around 9:33 AM, a group of elephants was moving along the route. Suddenly, the lead elephant became uncontrollable and started running. This caused two to three elephants behind it to also break into a run, creating chaos among the crowd.
As the elephants approached the Khadia area, barricades had been set up on the roads leading to Pol. The uncontrollable elephant began charging towards the people, prompting four to five police officers to urge the crowd to move aside. Despite their warnings, the elephant quickly reached the barricades, knocking some people down. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported, and no serious harm was done.
R.K. Sahu, an official from the Municipal Corporation’s Zoo Department, explained that the elephant panicked due to loud noises from the DJ and the excessive sound of the trumpet. To help manage the situation, two female elephants were brought in to calm the male elephant down.
Initially, there were 17 elephants participating in the Rath Yatra, but now only 14 remain after three were removed for safety reasons. Sahu noted that the loud music and trumpet sounds scared the male elephant, leading to its erratic behaviour.
With the help of zoo staff, the two female elephants managed to restrain the male elephant. It was then tied to a safe area in Khadia, with staff members staying close to monitor its condition. Currently, the elephant is calm. Sahu mentioned that only another elephant can control a distressed elephant, which is why they used the two females to help.
The Rath Yatra is a significant Hindu festival celebrating Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Balram and Subhadra. Celebrated according to the Gujarati calendar, this festival draws thousands of devotees, who eagerly await the opportunity to see their deities. The festival is famous for its grand procession, where the idols are carried on massive chariots.
In Ahmedabad, this procession has been taking place for over 140 years, beginning at the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. The journey covers around 14 kilometers and ends back at the temple in the evening. The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is considered one of the largest in Gujarat, following the grand procession in Puri, Odisha.
The Rath Yatra is not just a local event; it has gained international recognition. Cities around the world, including London and New York, host their own versions of the Rath Yatra, often led by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Despite the disruptions caused by the elephant today, the Rath Yatra continues to be a vibrant and joyous occasion for devotees, who celebrate their faith and community spirit. The quick response from police and zoo officials ensured that the situation was handled effectively, allowing the festivities to proceed safely.
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