Ahmedabad (IANS) | The Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad took a tragic turn as an unfortunate incident took place during the procession in Dariapur area, in which one person was killed and several others were injured. The accident occurred when the balcony of the third floor of the three-storey building suddenly fell.
A major religious event in Ahmedabad, the 146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath attracted thousands of devotees who eagerly walked the 18 km route in the hope of catching a glimpse of the revered deity. However, the joyous atmosphere was marred by the unfortunate balcony collapse that occurred during the procession.
The Gujarat Police took significant measures to ensure the safety and security of the procession. For the first time, they deployed state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology and anti-drone systems to prevent unauthorized drone use and closely monitor the entire route.
However, in spite of careful arrangements, the tragic incident took place, shocking the officials and the devotees.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed a symbolic ritual called ‘Pahind Vidhi’. Using a golden broom, he cleared the way for the chariots, marking the beginning of the Rath Yatra.
Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Balabhadra and Subhadra, begins his divine journey in his magnificently decorated chariots from the historic Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur area.
Amid the grand procession, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the auspicious ‘Mangala Aarti’, paying homage to the deity at the temple during the early hours of the day.
He described the Yatra as a confluence of faith and devotion and emphasized on the divine and unforgettable experience of seeing Lord Jagannath.
Dozens of elephants, camel-drawn carts and trucks decorated with devotional tableaux included in the procession.
The crowd squealed with joy at the acrobatic display by the talented young artistes from various ‘Akhadas’. The truck drivers tossed toffees to increase the enthusiasm, which spread enthusiasm among the devotees, who eagerly rushed to collect them.
The air reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ as the chariots slowly made their way through the bustling streets, creating a sense of spiritual connection among the onlookers.
–IANS
