Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra is running more than one-and-a-half hours behind schedule this year. While the Gajaraj contingent leading the procession has reached Dariyapur, the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, which would ordinarily have been approaching the area by this time, are still proceeding beyond Saraspur.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2026 Live: All 3 Chariots Begin Return Journey from Saraspur
Follow live updates on Ahmedabad's 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra, including the procession route, traffic diversions, security arrangements, key events and latest developments.
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Follow live updates on Ahmedabad's 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra, including the procession route, traffic diversions, security arrangements, key events and latest developments.
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning, with thousands of devotees gathering at the Jagannath Temple to witness the annual procession. Following traditional rituals and the ceremonial Pahind Vidhi, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra began their journey along the city's 16-km traditional route soon.
16-km procession with elephants, akhadas and decorated tableaux
The grand procession features three main chariots carrying the deities, accompanied by 18 elephants, 103 decorated trucks, around 30 akhadas and several bhajan mandalis. Lakhs of devotees are expected to line the route as the yatra passes through different parts of the city.
Rath Yatra Delayed by 90 Minutes, Elephant Reaches Dariyapur
Akharas and tableau trucks begin their return journey from Sarapur
The akharas and tableau trucks have begun their return journey from Saraspur after the Mahaprasad halt.
Shrine of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra built in Mosal Saraspur
As per tradition, a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra was carried out with devotion at Mosal Saraspur during the Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees gathered on the auspicious occasion to have darshan of the deities and experienced the joy and spiritual fervour of the celebrations.
Lunch begins in Mosal Saraspur
The Mahaprasad meal has begun in Saraspur, regarded as the maternal home of Lord Jagannath, during the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. Thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the procession enthusiastically partook of the prasad, which included puri, vegetables, flower petals, mohanthal and dal-rice.
'Mameru' offered to Lord Jagannnath
The traditional Mameru was offered to Lord Jagannath as part of the Rath Yatra celebrations in Ahmedabad. Devotees and members of the community participated in the ritual, symbolising reverence and cultural tradition.
Police vehicle stalled, people help the cops push the vehicle
A police vehicle stalled during Ahmedabad's Jagannath Rath Yatra, briefly disrupting movement along the procession route. Bystanders and locals stepped in to help police personnel push the vehicle to safety.
All three chariots reach Saraspur, Lord Jagannath arrives at his maternal home
All three chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra have reached Saraspur, believed to be their maternal home (“mama’s house”), amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” and huge crowds of devotees. The deities will now participate in the traditional rituals and receive the grand mahabhog before the Rath Yatra resumes its journey back to the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur
Sister Subhadra’s chariot reaches Saraspur
The second chariot, carrying sister Subhadra, has reached Saraspur as part of Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Lord Jaggannath chariot reaches Saraspur
After a long wait, Lord Jagannath’s chariot has finally reached Saraspur, where thousands of devotees had gathered to welcome the procession.
Lord Jagganath chariot crosses Kalupur
Lord Jagannath’s chariot has crossed Kalupur and continues its journey through Ahmedabad as part of the 149th Rath Yatra. Devotees lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession and seek the blessings of the deity.
All three chariots reach Raipur
The 149th edition of Lord Jagannath’s historic Rath Yatra is progressing amid great enthusiasm. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra have now reached Raipur Chakla, where thousands of devotees welcomed them with chants of “Jai Ranchhod”.
Lord Jaggannath chariot reaches Dhal ni Pol
The much-awaited chariot of Lord Jagannath reaches Dhal ni Pol devotees welcome it with joy as the Fire Brigade sprinkles water on the crowd.,
Fire Brigade showers water, bringing relief amid humid weather
Providing relief to devotees amid the humid weather, personnel from the Fire Brigade showered water along the Rath Yatra route. The cooling measures offered much-needed respite to people gathered in large numbers to witness the procession.
Akhadas reach Saraspur
The akhadas participating in Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra have arrived at Saraspur
Jesus spotted at Rath Yatra, showcasing spirit of harmony
A man dressed as Jesus during Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra caught the attention of devotees. His presence in the procession reflected the spirit of secularism and solidarity that has long been associated with the city’s annual Rath Yatra celebrations.
Bhajan mandali reaches Astodiya Chakla
The bhajan mandali participating in Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra has reached Astodiya Chakla, while the first chariot has arrived at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) headquarters.
Mist vans deployed to provide relief from heat
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched a special cooling operation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra to protect lakhs of devotees from the scorching heat. To ensure the comfort of pilgrims along the procession route, the civic body's Fire and Emergency Services Department carried out periodic water sprinkling to keep the roads cool.
In addition, mist vans were deployed continuously to lower the temperature by spraying fine water droplets into the air. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of various AMC departments and the constant work of fire department personnel, devotees received much-needed relief despite the intense heat
Tableaux reach Saraspur
Elephants and tableaux have reached Saraspur Circle. Chariots yet to reachMunicpal Corporation road.
Elephants reach Khadia, Devotees still await for chariots
The elephants participating in Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra have reached Khadia, while devotees continue to wait eagerly for the arrival of the three chariots
Akhadas reach Dhal ni Pol
Akhadas participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra have reached Dhal ni Pol in Ahmedabad. Members of various akhadas showcased traditional martial arts and stunts.
Viral gorilla dance on wheels spotted at Rath Yatra
The viral social media gorilla dance spotted on a truck during Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, emerged as a major attraction for residents of Ahmedabad
Crowds gather to watch akhada performances along Rath Yatra route
As the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad continues to move through the city, performances by members of various akhadas have emerged as a major attraction along the route. Young participants from different akhadas are showcasing their skills and stunts, drawing large crowds of spectators.
Unique Hormuz-themed tableau draws attention at Rath Yatra
A unique tableau during the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra drew attention with posters linking the ongoing Iran-US tensions to concerns over shortages of petrol, diesel and gas. The display carried the slogan, “O Lord, we have prepared the chariot; now bring the ships carrying petrol, diesel and gas across Hormuz,” conveying a distinctive appeal for global peace and security.
Tableaux reach Dhal ni Pol
Decorated tableaus participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra have started arriving at Dhal ni Pol in Ahmedabad.
Elephants reach Dhal ni Pol
The elephants accompanying the Jagannath Rath Yatra have reached Dhal ni Pol at Astodiya Chakla. Devotees gathered in large numbers along the route to witness the grand procession as the yatra continues amid tight security arrangements.
ASP, DCP, DySP and PIs deployed for the security of all three chariots
verification through an Aadhaar-enabled application, following which the temple authorities will issue barcode-based identity cards. Keeping security concerns in mind, all three chariots will be under constant surveillance through drones during the Rath Yatra.
Special arrangements, including camera vans, GPS and wireless communication sets, will be available with the chariots of Lord Jagannath, sister Subhadra and brother Balram. The security detail accompanying the three chariots will comprise one DCP, two DySPs, two PIs and other police personnel.
An ASP will serve as the chief in-charge of the chariots, assisted by one PI. One DySP-rank officer each will be stationed at the front and rear of the chariots, while one PI each will be deployed on the left and right sides. Additionally, officers from the pushing squad will cordon off the chariots with ropes to maintain order and ensure smooth movement.
Lord Jagannath Embarks on Grand Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad
Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, began the annual Rath Yatra procession through the streets of Ahmedabad on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the sacred procession, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration across the city.
As per tradition, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the ceremonial Pahind Vidhi by sweeping the path with a golden broom before the procession commenced. He then helped pull the chariot, marking the formal start of the Rath Yatra.
Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra Begins After Ceremonial Pahind Vidhi
Lord Jagannath's annual Rath Yatra has commenced in Ahmedabad on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Bij, with thousands of devotees gathering to witness the grand procession. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional Pahind Vidhi by ceremonially sweeping the path with a golden broom before flagging off the procession by pulling the chariot. The Rath Yatra has now set out on its traditional journey through the city.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Route
Jagannath Temple
AMC Office
Dhal ni Pol
Raipur Chakla
Khadia
Kalupur Railway Station
Kalupur Darwaza
Saraspur
Prem Darwaza
Delhi Chakla
Shahpur Darwaza
R.C. High School
Ghee Kanta
Manek Chowk
Jagannath Temple
Police teams and surveillance
Over 31,000 security personnel deployed
Ahmedabad Police, along with multiple security agencies, have deployed more than 31,000 personnel to ensure the Rath Yatra passes off peacefully. The security grid has been divided into 26 ranges, 53 areas and 1,397 deployment points.
The deployment includes senior IPS officers, Joint Commissioners of Police, 42 DCPs, 93 ACPs, 303 Police Inspectors and 673 Police Sub-Inspectors. Fifteen SRP companies, around 1,000 paramilitary and BSF personnel, along with CRPF and RAF teams, have also been deployed.
High-tech surveillance throughout the route
Security agencies are using more than 100 drones to monitor the procession from the air. Every elephant has been equipped with GPS tracking, CCTV cameras and decibel meters. AI-powered facial recognition cameras, AI voice bots, anti-drone guns and an upgraded wireless communication system have also been deployed to strengthen surveillance.
Cyber teams monitor social media
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is overseeing the moving security convoy throughout the procession, while dedicated cyber crime teams are monitoring social media platforms round the clock to prevent the spread of rumours, misinformation or provocative content during the Rath Yatra.
