On the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Bij, joy fills the streets of Ahmedabad as the 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins. Accompanied by his siblings, Lord Balram and Devi Subhadra, Lord Jagannath set out on the traditional city procession amid chants of “Jai Ranchhod, Makhan Chor,” immersing the city in a wave of devotion.
Ahmedabad’s 148th rathyatra
Chariots at Raipur Chakla welcomed with drizzle
The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra have reached Raipur. As the chariots approached, it began to drizzle.
Rath to reach Raipur soon
The chariot of Lord Jagannath along with Balram and Subhadra to reach Raipur soon
‘Mamera’ ceremony prepartions in Saraspur
In Saraspur the preparations for ‘Mamera’ ceremony have begun. The devotees are now eagerly waiting for the arrival of Lord Jagannath.
Lord Jagannath rath reaches AMC office
Lord Jagannath’s chariot was welcomed at the AMC office, where devotees showered flowers on the deity.
Elephants reach Saraspur
Elephants and some of the trucks have now reached Saraspur, while other trucks are slowly making their way there. The akhadas have now reached Kalupur Darwaja.
Lord Jagannath rath reaches Khamasa
Lord jagannath chariot along with Subhadra and Balram have reached Khamasa
People injured in the elephant mishap shifted to SVP hospital
It was reported that two to three people were injured when the elephants went out of control. They have now been shifted to SVP Hospital for treatment. Currently, no one is reported in serious condition.
Suspicious drone shot down
During the Rath Yatra, a no-drone zone was declared. However, a suspicious drone spotted in the sky was shot down using the anti-drone system.
Operation Sindoor tableau visuals
Elephants reach Kalupur circle
After the elimination of three elephants from the procession, rest of them reached to the Kalupur circle
Chariot to reach AMC office
The rathyatra, which began early in the morning, is slowly making its way towards maternal uncle’s in Saraspur. Soon, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, will reach the AMC (Amdavad Municipal Corporation) office.Elephant goes berserk in Khadia
An elephant that was part of the rathyatra created panic after it lost control and started running on the yatra route in Khadia for a few moments. It was soon brought under control. Luckily, nothing untoward happened.
According to a media report, near Ghanchi Pol in Khadia, elephants were passing where loudspeakers in the area were blaring, causing the elephants to panic and go berserk due to the loud noise. As a result, two to three people were injured. The maharaja and security personnel managed to bring the elephants under control after considerable effort. Following this, one male and two female elephants were covered and moved to the side, and they have been excluded from rejoining the rathyatra route. It has been reported that a TV channel cameraman was among those injured in this incident.
Joyous devotees, cultural attire, and devotion to Lord Krishna
People are participating enthusiastically in the rathyatra, many dressed in cultural attire and immersed in Krishna devotion.
First visuals from drone surveillance
Help desk for any missing member during rathyatra
As part of efforts to ensure the safety of citizens during the rathyatra celebrations, the Crime Investigation Department (CID), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Women’s Crime Branch have jointly set up a dedicated help desk in the Saraspur area. This initiative is part of the public safety and child protection strategy during the event. The primary focus of this desk will be to respond quickly to reports of missing children and to provide immediate assistance to families.
Truck stuck at Jamalpur gate
The rathyatra in Ahmedabad is in progress. Elephants and decorated trucks accompanying Lord Jagannath’s chariot are a major attraction. However, one truck got stuck at Jamalpur Gate, requiring structural parts near the gate to be moved and the passengers inside to bow down. After much effort, the truck was finally able to pass through.
Hindu-Muslim unity in rathyatra
A moment of communal harmony was seen as members of the Muslim community welcomed Lord Jagannath with garlands and flowers—an embodiment of unity that left a mark on all observers.
Themed trucks draw attention
Over 100 trucks are part of this year’s rathyatra, each creatively decorated. Some feature themes like the Rafale jet or Operation Sindoor, and others depict the Ahmedabad plane crash. Massive crowds are enjoying these displays along with performances from various akhadas (martial arts groups) and bhajan mandalis (devotional groups), filling the city with devotional spirit.
Rathyatra proceeds with bhajans, elephants, and akhadas
Accompanied by bhajan groups, elephants, trucks, and akhadas, the chariots proceed through the streets, with people chanting Jai Jagannath and Jai Ranchhod, creating a sea of devotees.
Dilipdasji Maharaj honored as Jagat-guru
Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj of the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple has been bestowed the title of Jagatguru (world teacher) by the Vaishnav community on this sacred day. From now, he will be known as Jagatguru Dilipdasji Maharaj instead of Mahamandaleshwar.
Chariots depart amid cheers, soon to reach Jamalpur Chakla
The chariots have set off from the main temple. One after another, they proceed toward Jamalpur Chakla, moving past Jamalpur Gate.
rathyatra Begins Amid Light Showers
After performing the traditional Pahind Vidhi (ritual sweeping), Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commenced the rathyatra. Light drizzles marked a divine beginning as the Lord set out for His city tour.
CM Bhupendra Patel performs Pahind vidhi
CM Bhupendra Patel visited the temple, performed the ritual sweeping with a golden broom, and pulled Lord Jagannath’s chariot to officially begin the Yatra.
Lord Jagannath teceives guard of honour
For the first time ever, Lord Jagannath was given a Guard of Honour before the Yatra’s departure.
Lord on the Chariot, Final Rituals Done
The Nij Mandir (inner sanctum) is illuminated. Devotees are gathered in large numbers to get darshan of the Lord who has now taken His seat in the chariot.
Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra in their Respective chariots
On this sacred day, Lord Jagannath, brother Balram, and sister Subhadra are seated in their respective chariots:
Jagannath in the Nandighosh chariot
Balram in the Taladhwaj chariot
Subhadra in the Devdalana chariot
Amit Shah performs Mangala Aarti
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the temple early in the morning under high security and performed Mangala Aarti (auspicious morning prayer) in the presence of many devotees.
Rathyatra schedule
- 4 am: Mangala Aarti at the temple
- Post aarti: Raas Garba performance
- Raas: Featured tribal dances favored by Lord Krishna
- 7 am: CM Bhupendra Patel performs Pahind Vidhi with a golden broom