Ahmedabad’s 148th Jagannath Rathyatra to be held as per usual tradition post AI171 plane crash
Updated: Jun 20th, 2025
After reports emerged that the Jagannath Rathyatra in Ahmedabad won’t be celebrated with pomp and show, a trustee of the Jagannath temple clarified that it will proceed as per tradition like previous years.
With the tragic plane crash weighing on everyone’s minds, there were reports that Ahmedabad’s 148th Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 will ditch all the pomp and show.
However, clearing the air, Mahendra Jha, a trustee of the Jagannath temple said, “The 148th rathyatra of Lord Jagannath will proceed traditionally. Preparations for the yatra are now in their final stages.”
Jha further stated that this year’s rathyatra will follow its traditional route. Currently, discussions are ongoing with the government regarding the use of trucks and tableaux, and final decisions will be made in coordination with the authorities.
Notably, reports claimed that after Air India AI171 plane crash tragedy in the city that claimed over 270 lives, the temple will decide to celebrate rathyatra with simplicity.
However, temple trustee and Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj both clarified that the rathyatra will include all the pomp and show.
Rathyatra route
After beginning in the morning from the Nij Mandir (sanctum sanctorum), the Rath Yatra proceeds through Khamasa Gate, Municipal Office, Astodia Chakla, Raipur, Khadia Crossroads, Panchkuva, Kalupur Circle, Dr. Ambedkar Hall, and reaches Sarsapur Crossroads for a rest stop. After a brief halt, the procession continues with devotees chanting “Jai Jagannath” in unison. From Sarsapur, it moves through Dr Ambedkar Hall, Kalupur Circle, Jordan Road, Delhi Chakla, Halim ni Khadki, Shahpur Darwaja, Shahpur Chakla, Rangila Chowki, Ghikanta Road, Pankornaka, Fountain, R.C. High School, Manek Chowk, Gol Limda, Danapith, Khamasa, and finally returns to the Nij Mandir.
This year, the Jagannath Rathyatra falls on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, beginning at 7 am on June 27 from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur and returning by 8 pm after completing a 16-km route through the Old City.
As per tradition, Lord Jagannath, brother Balbhadra, and sister Subhadra’s chariots are pulled through the heart of the city.
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