Last year, Lord Jagannath was dressed up as a cow herder. This year will mark the first time that the Jagat Guru of Ramanand Sampraday will be attending the rath yatra
The Jagannath temple in the city is all set to host its 141st rath yatra this year, amid tight security and fanfare. This year, the deity will be dressed up as a royal. Last year, he was dressed up as a cow herder.
The procession that sees thousands of devotees throng the route is likely to face a narrow stretch near Shahpur where the Metro line construction is underway. Mahendra Jha, one of the trustees of the temple, on Tuesday urged devotees to come for darshan of the deity before or after the chariot passes through that particular stretch.
Speaking at a press conference, Jha said BJP President Amit Shah would attend mangal aarti at 4am on the day of the yatra while Chief Minister Vijay Rupani would do the pahind vidhi (a ceremonial cleaning of the road by a silver broom). This rath yatra, the deity will be dressed up as a royal. Last year, he was dressed up as a cow herder. This year is also the first time that the Jagat Guru of Ramanand Sampraday will be attending the Rathyatra, he said.
Jha added that to celebrate the city’s new heritage tag, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will also ensure a tableau that highlights the cultural and architectural heritage of Ahmedabad. “They have also decided to light all the heritage buildings on the yatra route as a mark of celebration,” said Jha.
To a question on whether Adityanath would come for the celebrations this year, Jha said they had sent an invitation to the UP chief minister. “We had also got a confirmation but now since on July 12, the prime minister is going to be in UP for some inauguration, Adityanath is unlikely to be here for the yatra,” said Jha.
According to him, 2,500 kg of rice, 1,400 kg of dry fruits, 600 kg of dal and 152 cans of ghee will be used to make the prasad that is distributed among devotees. “It is unique to this rath yatra that we offer khichdi as prasad here,” he said. Besides, 30kg of moong, 500 kg of jamun and 400 kg of cucumber will also be distributed among the devotees during the yatra.
NEW LOOK
Last year, Lord Jagannath was dressed up as a cow herder. This year will mark the first time that the Jagat Guru of Ramanand Sampraday will be attending the rath yatra.
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