Ahmedabad, July 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday offered prayers at the historic Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad and participated in the traditional Mangala Aarti ahead of the city’s 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Shah, accompanied by his family, took part in the early morning rituals on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, marking the beginning of the annual chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi was also present during the religious ceremony.
The temple premises witnessed the presence of Mahant Dilipdasji, several saints and seers, along with a large gathering of devotees who assembled to seek blessings before the grand procession.
The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, one of Gujarat’s most prominent religious events, sees the deities taken out in a ceremonial procession through the city’s streets every year. Devotees believe the yatra offers a rare opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath as He visits His followers outside the temple.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu greeted devotees in India and abroad on the occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. In her message, she described the festival as a sacred celebration that symbolises the bond between the Divine and devotees while highlighting its spiritual, cultural and social significance.
The President also prayed for the continued peace, prosperity and well-being of the nation and wished that the blessings of Lord Jagannath bring happiness to people across the country.
No Comments: