Amit Shah Joins Ahmedabad Jagannath Rath Yatra, Performs Mangala Aarti at 149th Annual Procession

Ahmedabad, July 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the traditional Mangala Aarti at the historic Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking the beginning of the city’s 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra. Accompanied by his family, Shah offered prayers to Lord Jagannath on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij, one of Gujarat’s most significant religious celebrations.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi was also present during the early morning rituals at the temple. The ceremony witnessed the participation of temple priests, saints, mahants and a large gathering of devotees who assembled to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath before the grand chariot procession commenced.

The annual Rath Yatra holds immense religious importance for devotees across Gujarat. During the procession, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are taken through the streets of Ahmedabad, allowing thousands of devotees to offer prayers and receive their divine darshan.

Temple authorities, led by Mahant Dilipdasji, oversaw the religious ceremonies before the chariots set out on their traditional route through the city. The festival continues to attract devotees from different parts of the country every year and is regarded as one of Ahmedabad‘s most prominent spiritual events.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her greetings to devotees in India and abroad on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra. In her message, she described the festival as a sacred celebration that symbolises the divine bond between Lord Jagannath and His devotees.

The President also highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the centuries-old tradition, expressing hope that the festival would continue to strengthen the values of faith, harmony and devotion while bringing peace, prosperity and happiness to the nation.