Ahmedabad: A much-awaited day in Ahmedabad’s religious calendar finally arrived. Months of planning and organisation came to fruition on Thursday as Ahmedabad witnessed the grandeur and fervour of the annual rath yatra. Lord Jagannath completed his annual journey, with Lord Balram and Goddess Subhadra in tow, amid a sea of humanity gathered along the pious route. The swelling but well-managed crowd showed why Ahmedabad’s rath yatra is said to be India’s second grandest after Puri’s.In the evening, there were light to moderate showers in some areas, keeping the tradition of rain on Ashadhi Beej, the second day of the month of Ashadha in the Gujarati calendar. Rain on the day is believed to be an auspicious sign.The day at Shri Jagannathji Temple in Jamalpur started with mangala aarti, the first prayer of the day, performed by Union home minister Amit Shah.He was joined by deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi and senior city and state officials. Later, chief minister Bhupendra Patel and Sanghavi performed the pahind ritual by sweeping the chariots’ path with golden brooms. Gujarat Police gave the deities the Guard of Honour.Sources said that while the chariots were out after 7.40am, other parts of the procession were delayed. Overall, the procession was delayed by close to two hours. The juggernaut returned to the temple by 10pm.The yatra followed its traditional route from Khamasa, Danapith, Khadia and Kalupur to Saraspur for the ‘mameru’.This year, two temples hosted the chariots for this ritual, where local families showered the deities with gifts. Saraspur, considered the deities’ maternal home, also hosted a mega feast for over 1 lakh devotees.The chariots were accompanied by 18 elephants, 101 trucks and tableaux, 30 akhadas, 10 bhajan groups and four music bands.The tableaux showcased themes such as the BJP’s win in West Bengal, the West Asia conflict, organ donation, and Gujarat’s culture and traditions. At least three akhadas featured girls and women who stole the show with their stunts.Pankaj Purani, a bodybuilder, who has been part of the yatra for over three decades, said akhadas are now more aware and conscious about gender equality and inclusivity.A few skirmishes were reported from Prem Darwaza and Gheekanta, but were handled by police and security forces.High heat, humidity and milling crowds led to health emergencies. EMRI 108 services treated over 50 people for heat-related and other emergencies. At least three persons had to be hospitalised, while the majority were given primary treatment for fainting, elevated blood pressure and dizziness.The fire brigade sprayed water on the procession and spectators to provide some respite from the heat.Speaking to the media in the evening, Sanghavi said that this year saw a record crowd. “A record number of devotees joined the 149th rath yatra. I congratulate the city and state police along with the administration on the arrangements,” he said.
