In Gujarat, the 149th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced today from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad amid tight security.
Devotees in large numbers thronged the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the deities. As per the centuries-old tradition, the annual Rath Yatra is held on the occasion of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the second day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month.
Earlier this morning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at the historic Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur and sought the blessings of the deities.
Following this, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the symbolic Pahind Vidhi by cleansing the chariot route with a golden broom and officially flagged off the grand procession.
The majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and younger sister Devi Subhadra are moving along the traditional 16-kilometre route, accompanied by dozens of akhadas, bhajan mandalis and folk dance troupes.
To ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the procession, the local administration has deployed extensive security arrangements, including over 30,000 police personnel.
AI-assisted crowd monitoring, an extensive CCTV network and drone surveillance are keeping a close watch along the entire route.
Passing through various parts of the old city, the Rath Yatra will conclude late this evening on its return to the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur.