Religious celebrations for the 149th Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra began with the Netrotsav ceremony at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Temple on Monday, drawing thousands of devotees ahead of the grand procession on Ashadhi Bij (July 16).
Devotees started arriving at the temple early in the morning to witness the rituals, creating a festive and devotional atmosphere.
Netrotsav Rituals Performed
The day’s ceremonies began at 6 am with the installation of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldev and Goddess Subhadra on the Ratnavedi in the sanctum sanctorum. The Netrotsav Puja started at 7.30 am and continued till 10.30 am, with around 30 yajmans (hosts) participating in the rituals.
After the puja, the traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held on the temple’s main shikhara, followed by a grand Maha Aarti. A special Bhandara (community meal), Vastradan (clothes donation) and donation ceremony were also organised for saints and seers from across the country.
Heavy Security Arrangements
Several political and social leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, visited the temple to attend the Netrotsav ceremony.
With large crowds expected during the Rath Yatra, police have put in place elaborate security arrangements across the 16.5-km procession route. The route has been divided into 16 security zones.
Security deployment includes:
- 10 Inspector Generals (IGs), 42 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and 88 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
- More than 800 Police Inspectors (PIs) assigned to various duties.
- Central and paramilitary forces deployed to assist local police.
- 59 security checkpoints set up along the route, with preventive action taken against suspected anti-social elements.
AI, Drones and Smart Surveillance
Police are using advanced technology to strengthen security during this year’s Rath Yatra.
More than 100 drones will monitor the procession from the air, while an AI-based facial recognition system with data of over 64,000 individuals will help identify suspicious persons.
Authorities have also installed decibel meters near the temple elephants to regulate noise levels and have appealed to organisers not to play loud DJs while the elephants are passing. Devotees have also been advised to avoid standing near old or unsafe buildings and balconies during the procession to prevent accidents.