Gujarat: Jal Yatra marks auspicious start of 149th Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, June 29 (IANS) The 149th Rath Yatra celebrations in Ahmedabad began on Monday with the traditional Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath, marking the ceremonial start of preparations for one of the city’s most significant annual religious processions.

The rituals commenced at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur on the auspicious occasion of Jeth Sud Purnima, where the deity was ceremonially bathed with water brought in 108 kalash, along with sacred water, Panchamrit, abir, gulal, and sandalwood-infused water.

The Jal Abhishek of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was performed at the temple amid Vedic chants.

The ceremony was attended by state BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Deputy Mayor Anju Shah, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, Whip Atul Mishra, former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, and other public representatives, who participated in the rituals including Ganga pujan and the ceremonial anointment.

The Jal Yatra procession included 14 decorated elephants, flags and banners, bullock carts, 108 sacred kalash, bhajan mandalis and a large gathering of devotees.

The procession followed its traditional route from the temple premises to the banks of the Sabarmati river at Bhudar, where Ganga pujan was performed according to scriptural tradition.

The sacred water was then collected from the river in the presence of saints and mahants by transporting it in boats to the river’s midstream, filling the 108 kalash, and returning to the temple.

At the Jamalpur temple, the collected water was used for the ritual bathing of the deities, accompanied by offerings of Panchamrit made of milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee, along with water mixed with abir, gulal and sandalwood, as part of the Shodashopachar worship.

Following Abhishek, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra were adorned in the traditional Gajavesha attire, drawing large numbers of devotees for darshan.

Prasad, including mung, jamun, mango, pomegranate, and cucumber, was distributed among participants during the procession.

The atmosphere throughout the day was marked by devotional chanting and kirtans, with slogans such as “Jai Jagannath”, “Govind Bolo, Gopal Bolo” and “Jai Ranchhod” resonating across the Jamalpur area.

Authorities deployed police personnel and made traffic arrangements to ensure the procession proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner.

–IANS

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