Gujarat CM Patel performs Pahind ritual, flags off 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad
Gandhinagar, July 16
On the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel offered prayers to Lord Jagannath and performed the rituals for the Lord's chariot at the Jagannath Temple premises in Ahmedabad before flagging off the 149th Rath Yatra.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, upholding the tradition, the CM performed Pahind Vidhi, the symbolic ritual of cleaning the chariot. Marking his fifth consecutive year, the CM swept Lord Jagannathji's Rath with a golden broom. Thereafter, he participated in bringing the Lord's main chariot out of the temple premises to commence the city procession.
Furthermore, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also participated in this occasion.
The Chief Minister extended greetings to all citizens on the occasion of the 149th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and said that he felt fortunate to have the opportunity to offer prayers, perform the Aarti, and flag off the Rath Yatra on the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Bij.
He highlighted that Lord Jagannath had set out on the city procession along with His brother Balram and sister Subhadra. He added that the Lord comes among the people to bless and grant darshan to workers, the poor, and all citizens.
He expressed confidence that Gujarat would lead the resolve of Viksit Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said that he had prayed to Lord Jagannath to bless all the citizens of the state with ever-increasing happiness and prosperity.
He said that the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad has become a symbol of communal harmony.
He expressed gratitude to all government departments, voluntary organisations, and citizens who remained dedicated to ensuring that the grand Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully and in an atmosphere of harmony.
On the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, the CM conveyed heartfelt New Year greetings to Kutchhi people across the country and around the world.
As per the release on the occasion, Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj of the Jagannath Temple, Mayor Hiteshbhai Barot, local MLAs Amit Shah, Amit Thaker, Dinesh Kushwaha, Kaushik Jain, Hasmukh Patel, Amul Bhatt, Smt. Kanchanben Radadiya, Director General of Police GS Malik, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner Anupamsinh Gehlot, along with other dignitaries and a large number of devotees, remained present.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad has always been a beautiful example of Gujarat's spirit - people from all communities come together to participate. The CM's message about communal harmony is very relevant in today's times. Jai Jagannath! 🌺
While I appreciate the religious and cultural significance, I wish more attention was given to crowd management and traffic arrangements during such massive events. Hope the administration has taken adequate steps to ensure safety for all the lakhs of devotees who participate.
149 years of uninterrupted tradition! That itself is a testament to the faith and resilience of our people. Very proud to see Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra continuing with such grandeur in Ahmedabad. The CM linking it to Viksit Bharat was a nice touch too. 🇮🇳
As someone who grew up in Ahmedabad, this yatra holds special memories for me. The energy, the bhajans, the prasad - everything is magical. And seeing the CM cleaning the chariot with his own hands shows true humility. May Lord Jagannath bless everyone! 🙏✨
Good to see the tradition continuing, but I hope the CM's words on Viksit Bharat aren't just political rhetoric during religious events. The real development should be visible in the lives of the common people who come seeking Lord's blessings.
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