Ahmedabad is buzzing right now with preparations for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Celebrated annually on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Beej (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya), the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is one of the grandest and oldest chariot festivals in India, second only to the Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha. This year, the yatra will take place on June 27 and here’s all you need to know about it.
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra Significance
The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra marks the symbolic journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the historic Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur to the Saraspur temple and back. Devotees believe that on this day, Lord Jagannath himself ventures out to bless everyone, especially those who cannot visit the temple.
As per reports, the tradition of the annual procession in the city began in 1878 by Mahant Shree Narsinhdasji Maharaj. With elaborately decorated chariots, thousands of devotees, colourful tableaux, and tight security arrangements, the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra transforms the city into a vibrant hub of religious devotion and cultural celebration.
How Celebrations Take Place In The City
The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra festivities begin in the early hours with the Mangla Aarti. Over the last few years, the sacred ritual has been performed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah around 4:30 AM on the day of the yatra. After this, the Gujarat Chief Minister carries out the revered Pahind Vidhi—a symbolic act of cleaning the road with a golden broom. This is followed by the ceremonial pulling of the chariot, marking the official start of the grand procession.
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Date & Route For The Yatra
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra will begin at 7 AM on June 27 from the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. The 148th annual chariot festival is expected to return by 8 PM. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, will travel along a 16-kilometre heritage route, passing through the following key points in Ahmedabad –
- Jamalpur Chakla
- Vaishya Sabha
- Gollimda
- Astodia Chakla
- Madan Gopal Haveli
- Raipur Chakla
- Khadia Juni Gate
- Khadia Crossroads
- Panchkuva
- Kalupur Bridge
On the return journey, it will cover the following areas –
- Kalupur Chokha Bazar
- Prem Darwaja
- Dariyapur
- Shahpur Halim ni Khadki
- Rangila Police Chowky
- Delhi Chakla
- Ghee Kanta
- Pankor Naka
- Manek Chowk
- Khamasa
One of the key highlights of the procession is the halt at Saraspur, where devotees are treated to a grand feast hosted by the locals at the Shri Ranchhodraiji Mandir, symbolising the deities’ visit to their maternal home.
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Keeping the magnitude of the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra in mind, elaborate security arrangements will be put in place for the safety of the devotees.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@UnfoldedUpdate
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