Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 11 : Head priest of Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad, Sant Dilip Das Maharaj, said that the Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath to River Sabarmati began here with great enthusiasm on Wednesday ahead of the Rath Yatra on June 27.
On the day of Jal Yatra, holy water of the Sabarmati river is brought to the temple for the Lord's Maha Abhishek 11 times. Thousands of devotees, many carrying copper kalash (pots) on their heads, take part in the rituals.
Speaking to ANI, the head priest said, "People are participating with faith and joy, along with various saints and religious leaders in the Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The Yatra has begun with great enthusiasm."
Meanwhile, Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi also assured that all arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, scheduled for June 27.
The Gujarat Minister emphasised that the rath yatra holds a very important place and is a 'centre of devotion' for the people of the state.
Speaking to ANI earlier, Harsh Sanghavi said, "The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a huge centre of devotion for the people of Gujarat. Lakhs of people join the yatra. Today, the Jal yatra will be carried out on the bank of the Sabarmati as part of the rituals that are performed ahead of Rath Yatra."
"Preparations are being made for the Yatra that commences on June 27... It is the biggest Yatra - from both the perspectives - administration and devotion- 'Aastha and vyavastha,' he added.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday also participated in the Pahandi rituals and Snana Utsav of Lord Jagannath in Puri, marking his presence at key religious ceremonies ahead of the annual Rath Yatra festival in the state.
The Pahandi rituals, considered a vital component of the Rath Yatra, involve the ceremonial procession of the deities--Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra--from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots. The elaborate ritual accompanies traditional chants, gongs, and conches as the deities are brought out grandly and reverentially.
The construction of Lord Jagannath's chariot for the annual Rath Yatra festival commenced in Puri, Odisha. The work began on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, April 30, marking the start of the preparations for the revered festival.
The Rath Yatra, also known as the "Festival of Chariots," is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out in a grand procession on chariots through the streets of Puri. This year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will commence on June 27.
According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) in Ashadh.
Devotees eagerly await the Rath Yatra, celebrating Lord Jagannath and his siblings' divine journey.
The festival is a testament to Odisha's rich cultural heritage and traditions and is expected to draw large crowds to Puri.