Jagannath Rath Yatra 2019 begins with lakhs of devotees throng the chariot festival

The 142nd Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad's Jamalpur has commenced on Thursday. The Rath Yatra rtasking place from Lord Jagannath temple showed three main chariots – comprising of 19 decorated elephants, 100 trucks with tableaux and members of 30 singing troupes.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2019 has highlighted devotees across the nation taking out massive processions. On this auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his good wishes to the devotees. The PM took to share his feelings and greetings through Twitter. With a huge quantity of devotees dwelling in the Indian states of Gujarat, Odisha and other parts, these states seems to have made enormous arrangements for celebrating the auspicious day.

Conveying his greetings to the devotees, PM Narendra Modi writes, "Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of the Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings for the good health, happiness and prosperity of everyone. Jai Jagannath."

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1146607296530833408

Amidst the fervour and devotion of devotees in Odisha, what is commendable to see is the state gearing up for the celebrations despite being hugely affected by Cyclone Fani just a couple of months back. The state government with its disciplined management of Fani affected places and a timely repairing of the infrastructures has ensured that the people of the state do not have to suffer from a delay in the developmental processes.

However, Union home Minister Amit Shah could be seen offering his prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad right ahead of the annual Gujarat Jagannath Rath Yatra. Shah had his wife Sonal Shah accompanying him to the temple. After taking the charge of Home Ministry at the centre, Amit Shah has made his maiden visit to the state.

As scheduled, the Rath Yatra (chariot festival) has commenced early in the morning and will return to the temple at around 8:30. The procession will pass through the Old City amidst a multi-layered security cordon comprising of 25,000 security personnel. In addition to this, CCTVs and drone cameras are also installed so that a close watch can be kept on the movement of people.

Also read: Sri Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival from July 4 to July 12 in Sri Sri Radha Gobinda Temple campus