Preparations are in full swing for the 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, which will be held on Ashadhi Bij (July 16). With just a day left for the grand procession, the Jagannath Temple is filled with devotional fervour as final arrangements are being completed.
On Tuesday (July 15), the three sacred chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will undergo traditional rituals before being ceremonially pulled from the Rath Khana to the temple premises by sailors.
Sailors Ready for Traditional Chariot Pull
Hundreds of sailors gathered at the Rath Khana opposite the temple early in the morning to take part in the age-old tradition. The chariots have been securely tied with thick ropes, and over 200 sailors will pull the three chariots one after another to the temple, where they will be installed for the Rath Yatra.
Schedule of Today’s Rituals
- Sonavesh Darshan: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments.
- Gajraj Puja: Elephants leading the Rath Yatra are worshipped according to traditional rituals.
- Rath Pratishtha: Consecration ceremony of the three chariots in the temple premises.
- Rath Puja and Maha Aarti: Special prayers and Maha Aarti will be performed after the chariots arrive.
- Sandhya Aarti: The day will conclude with evening prayers and a grand Aarti.
Meanwhile, devotees have already started arriving at the temple in large numbers, creating a festive and devotional atmosphere with prayers and bhajans. The temple trust and local administration have completed nearly all arrangements, including security and crowd management, to ensure the smooth conduct of the 149th Rath Yatra.