Jagannath Rath Yatra – Amit Shah Joins Sacred Rituals as Ahmedabad Begins 149th Annual Procession

Jagannath Rath Yatra –Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah participated in the traditional Mangala Aarti at the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in Ahmedabad early Thursday morning, marking the formal beginning of the city’s 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra. The religious ceremony took place before sunrise at the temple located in the Jamalpur area, where Shah also offered prayers and sought blessings from Lord Jagannath ahead of the annual procession. A large number of devotees gathered at the temple to witness the auspicious rituals that signal the start of one of Gujarat’s most significant religious events.

Traditional Rituals Mark the Beginning

The pre-dawn Mangala Aarti is regarded as one of the most important ceremonies associated with Rath Yatra celebrations. It is performed before the three decorated chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra begin their journey through Ahmedabad. Following the prayers, temple rituals were completed as preparations moved into the final phase before the grand procession commenced. Senior government officials, temple representatives, and police personnel were present during the ceremonies to oversee the arrangements.

Historic Procession Follows Established Route

Celebrated annually on Ashadhi Bij, the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins from the nearly 400-year-old Shree Jagannathji Mandir in Jamalpur. The procession passes through several prominent areas of Ahmedabad before returning to the temple later the same day. The event has become an integral part of the city’s religious and cultural identity, drawing devotees and visitors from across Gujarat as well as different parts of the country.

One of India’s Largest Religious Gatherings

The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is widely regarded as the second-largest Jagannath procession in India after the famous celebration in Puri. Every year, lakhs of devotees assemble to participate in the religious festivities and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. The event reflects centuries-old traditions while continuing to attract people of all ages who gather to witness the chariot procession and associated ceremonies.

Amit Shah Continues Long-Standing Tradition

Amit Shah has regularly attended the Mangala Aarti at the Ahmedabad temple over the years, maintaining a long-standing practice of offering prayers before the Rath Yatra begins. His participation in this year’s ceremony once again highlighted the significance of the occasion for devotees and local residents. The visit took place during the early morning hours before the chariots departed on their scheduled route.

Extensive Security and Public Arrangements in Place

Authorities implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of this year’s yatra. Gujarat Police deployed more than 31,000 security personnel along the approximately 16-kilometre procession route. Surveillance has been strengthened through the use of drones, artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring systems, thousands of CCTV cameras, and body-worn cameras to maintain public safety throughout the event.

In addition to security, civic agencies introduced detailed arrangements for crowd management, sanitation, healthcare services, and emergency response teams. These preparations are intended to support the safe movement of devotees while ensuring uninterrupted religious observances during one of Gujarat’s most important annual festivals. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, municipal authorities, and temple management aim to facilitate a peaceful and well-organized celebration for the large number of participants expected throughout the day.