In Photos: Nine-Day Rath Yatra Kicks Off Amid Heavy Security
The 142nd rath yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in the wee hours of Thursday.
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The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security.
(Photo: AP)
✕ The 142nd Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in the wee hours of Thursday, 4 July, at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Temple.
The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security as lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route to catch a glimpse of the deity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with his wife Sonal Shah, performed the 'Mangala Aarti' to kick-start the annual festival.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is among the three largest Rath Yatras, which includes the one in Puri, Odisha.
Lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route during Rath Yatra.(Photo: AP) A man performs a bike stunt during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.(Photo: AP) Devotees dance during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.(Photo: AP) Devotees dance and celebrate during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.(Photo: AP) Lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route to catch a glimpse of the deity.(Photo: AP) Festivities during the nine-day festival.(Photo: AP) Devotees during Rath Yatra.(Photo: AP) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik distributes Abhada Torani to devotees during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.(Photo: PTI) Devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra, in New Delhi, Thursday.(Photo: PTI) The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security.(Photo: AP) (At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)