Jagannath rath yatra 2025: In Ahmedabad today, on 27 June, the 147th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was organized in the morning. At 7 am, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the traditional ‘Pahind Vidhi’ (cleaning of the chariot route) by law. A large number of devotees gathered on the occasion and there was a festive atmosphere in the entire city.
The atmosphere of chaos in the midst of the celebration
However, an incident occurred in the midst of this festive atmosphere, when the elephants involved during the Rath Yatra suddenly became uncontrollable due to the loud sound of DJ. According to eyewitnesses, as soon as the DJ started playing fast music, two elephants started behaving strangely. This created a stampede-like situation there and there was chaos among the people.
Big accident averted
Policemen and elephant operators deployed in security attempted to take care of the situation immediately. Officials informed that a major accident was averted and all the devotees are currently safe. Elephants were controlled in a few minutes and the journey was again carried forward. Let me tell you, this incident has once again raised a big question in front of the organizers and the administration whether it is permissible to allow a loud DJ system in such a big religious event? Local people and environmentalists believe that special vigilance should be taken in such events with animals.
In today’s Rath Yatra, the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and sister Subhadra were taken out with a group of elephants, camels, horses and devotees. The yatra will start from the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad and pass through different routes of the city and return to the temple again by evening.
Police force deployed throughout the city
In view of the security of the Rath Yatra, a heavy police force has been strictly deployed in the entire city. Drone is being monitored through cameras and CCTV. Diversion has also been done on several routes to maintain traffic smooth.
CM Bhupendra Patel’s appeal to people
Wishing the successful organization of the Rath Yatra, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “This journey is not just a religious tradition, but a symbol of the cultural heritage of Gujarat. All are requested to maintain peace and discipline.” Along with this, the devotees have been appealed not to put too much crowd near the animals and do not use sound amplifier.
Although the Rath Yatra of Ahmedabad was full of enthusiasm and devotion, the incident of elephants being uncontrollable has made the administration more alert than before. Such events in future require more vigilance and better management.