Jal Yatra Marks Spiritual Start to Ahmedabad's Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Festivities

Jal Yatra Marks Spiritual Start to Ahmedabad's Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Festivities (image: ANI)

With devotional chants filling the air, the Jal Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Ahmedabad with immense enthusiasm on Wednesday. The sacred ritual, held ahead of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, saw thousands of devotees take part in the religious celebration. This year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled for June 27.

Led by Sant Dilip Das Maharaj, the head priest of the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Jal Yatra began with traditional fervour. As part of this sacred tradition, holy water from the Sabarmati River was ceremoniously brought to the temple for Maha Abhishek, which is performed 11 times on this day. Many devotees participated in the procession, carrying copper kalash (pots) on their heads, chanting prayers and singing bhajans. The Jal Yatra is an important spiritual prelude to the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, symbolising purification and readiness to welcome the divine journey.

“People are participating with deep faith and joy, along with various saints and religious leaders. The Jal Yatra has begun with great enthusiasm,” said Sant Dilip Das Maharaj.

Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi assured that all necessary arrangements are being made for the smooth and secure conduct of the Rath Yatra on June 27. Speaking about the spiritual and administrative significance of the event, he stated:

“The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a massive centre of devotion for the people of Gujarat. Lakhs of devotees participate each year. Preparations are in full swing for both Aastha (faith) and Vyavastha (arrangements),” he said. The state administration is focused on ensuring safety and spiritual sanctity throughout the route of the Rath Yatra, which is one of the largest religious processions in Gujarat.

While Ahmedabad gears up for the annual procession, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also took part in the Pahandi rituals and Snana Utsav in Puri, showing his reverence for the upcoming Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha, also scheduled for June 27. The Pahandi ritual involves the ceremonial escorting of the deities—Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—from the sanctum to their chariots, accompanied by drums, conches, and chanting.

The construction of the majestic chariots had already begun on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30), marking the official start of Rath Yatra preparations in Puri. Celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is also called the Festival of Chariots. Devotees believe that pulling the chariots of the deities helps them attain moksha (liberation). The yatra symbolises the Lord coming out to bless all his devotees, regardless of caste or creed.

With lakhs expected to join both in Puri and Ahmedabad, this year's Rath Yatra continues to strengthen India's rich spiritual heritage and cultural unity.