Ahmedabad, Jul 16: The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced in Ahmedabad on Thursday amid religious fervour, with thousands of devotees gathering at the historic Jagannath Temple to witness one of Gujarat's largest and most celebrated spiritual processions.

Following the completion of traditional rituals, including the sacred Pahind Vidhi, the beautifully decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra rolled out of the temple, marking the beginning of the annual 16-kilometre journey through the city.

The grand procession is accompanied by 18 caparisoned elephants, 103 decorated trucks and tableaux, nearly 30 akhadas (traditional martial arts groups), and several bhajan mandalis, creating a vibrant spectacle of devotion, culture, and tradition.

Lakhs of devotees are expected to line both sides of the route to seek blessings of the deities as the procession passes through Ahmedabad's major localities.

Traditional Rath Yatra Route

The procession will travel through the following key locations:​​​​​​​

Jagannath Temple

AMC Office

Dhal ni Pol

Raipur Chakla

Khadia

Kalupur Railway Station

Kalupur Darwaza

The Ahmedabad Jagannath Rath Yatra, observed annually on Ashadhi Bij, is regarded as the second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra in India, after the world-famous procession in Puri, Odisha. The centuries-old tradition attracts devotees from across Gujarat and other parts of the country, symbolising communal harmony, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage associated with Lord Jagannath.