In Gujarat, the 147th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced today amid tight security. Devotees in large numbers have thronged the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the deity. Akashvani correspondent reports that “The world famous annual procession of Lord Jagannath began today in Ahmedabad in traditional zeal and fervor. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the Pahind Vidhi, a symbolic ritual of cleaning the way for the chariots using a golden broom and flagged off the Rath Yatra. 

 

 

Idols of lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were installed on the chariots and the 16 Kilometer long procession kicked off. Ahead of the procession, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at Jagannath temple in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad today morning. This time, more than 18,000 security personnel have been deployed to guard the procession.