Ahmedabad, July 3 (ANI): The 134th edition of the Chariot Festival or the 'Rath Yatra' of Lord Jagannath began here on Sunday from the 400 year-old Jagannath Temple amid tight security arrangements.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi performed the symbolic cleaning of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, after which the 'Rath Yatra' began.
"We are carrying out a chariot procession in the city today. We seek blessing for our city from Lord Jagannath, we want that our state and country should prosper and Lord Jagannath will help the poor people," said Modi.
"The god will satisfy the farmers with good rains. The chariot procession of Lord Jagannath passes through 110 places in Gujarat," he added.
Modi further said that he has sought blessings for his state and the country.
"I seek blessings from Lord Jagannath for all the people of Gujarat and I want that people should pledge to work for the poor. This is what I pray," he added.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for this festival with the administration engaging over 15,000 policemen to monitor the security.
Besides, 40 companies of additional security forces including 16 units of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Rapid Action Force (RAF) was seen stationed in the sensitive areas here.
The festival is celebrated on the second day of Sukla Paksha (waxing cycle of moon). The yatra is an annual feature in Gujarat and is taken on the day of 'Ashadh Beej', a day, on which, the famous Rath Yatra is also taken out in Orissa's Puri city. (ANI)
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Read More: Ahmedabad | Temple | Narendra Modi
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