Ahmedabad, July 7: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended greetings to the people of the state on the commencement of the Lord Jagannath Yatra on Sunday and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the state and country. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the Rath Yatra festival celebrations. CM Patel performed the 'Pahind Vidhi'--the symbolic cleaning of the path for the chariot of Jagannath for the Rath Yatra.

Addressing the gathering at the festival, CM Patel said, "The Rath Yatra of Ahmedabad is considered the biggest Rath Yatra after the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. On this holy day, God himself comes out to give darshan to the citizens and helps people rid of the sorrows and pains." Rath Yatra 2024: Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins in Puri; President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi Greet People (Watch Videos).

"Everyone feels peace and happiness by seeing the Lord in this Rath Yatra. Rath Yatra, synonymous with devotion, worship, and service, has become a folk festival today. Complete arrangements have been made to ensure that the Rath Yatra is completed peacefully and safely," he said. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also greeted the people on Kutchi New Year 'Ashadhi Beej.' "Today is Ashadhi Beej (Duj) i.e. the New Year of the Kutchi brothers and sisters. I wish all the Kutchi brothers and sisters of the state, country, and the world a very Happy New Year," said Patel.

This Hindu New Year is celebrated by the Kutchi community in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Ashadhi Beej is a traditional 'celebration of the arrival of rain'. "Infinite best wishes to all of you on Ashadhi Beej (Duj). May this holy festival bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to Gujarat and the entire country. This is my prayer at the feet of God, Jai Jagannath," he said. The Jagannath Yatra 2024 started in Ahmedabad with fanfare and excitement on Sunday morning. Devotees gathered in large numbers.

Earlier today, 'Mangla Aarti' was performed by Union Minister Amit Shah, who was accompanied by his wife Sonal, at the temple. More than 15,000 police personnel have been deployed for the 147th edition of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which is taking place in Ahmedabad today and attracts lakhs of devotees. The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most significant and eagerly awaited festivals in India is also set to commence in Odisha's Puri district on Sunday. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 Date: Know Puri Rath Yatra Timings, Significance and Rituals Associated With the Chariot Festival in Odisha.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is going to be a two-day affair after 53 years. President Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to witness the Rath Yatra today, along with lakhs of devotees in the pilgrim town.

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