People of Ahmedabad have always enjoyed the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the city’s presiding deity. However, for the first time, Goddess Bhadrakali, the city’s ‘nagardevi’ (guardian goddess), will embark on a grand chariot procession through the streets of Ahmedabad to bless her devotees. This historic event is scheduled for Wednesday, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri.

614 years of history 

The Rath Yatra is being organised to mark Ahmedabad’s 614th foundation anniversary. The chariot procession will pass through the city’s fort area, especially places of religious and historical significance associated with the goddess.

As the idol of Goddess Bhadrakali is permanently enshrined in the temple, her sacred footprints will be carried on the chariot in  the procession.

According to sources, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is likely to inaugurate the first-ever Nagar Yatra of Goddess Bhadrakali. Shashikant Tiwari, a temple trustee, stated that this is the first time such an event is being organised by the temple.

The Rath Yatra is receiving support from the police department, municipal corporation, and pilgrimage development board. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the event.

The Rath Yatra will include around 90 vehicles, 3 akharas (martial arts groups), 3 tableau trucks, and 3 devotional music groups. Devotees will be offered Boondhi prasad (sweet offerings).

The journey will commence from Teen Darwaza and pass through Baba Maneknath’s shrine, Manek Chowk, Danapith, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation office, Khamasa, and Pagthiya, before reaching Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, where a brief stop will be made. The procession will then move towards the Mahalaxmi Temple before returning to the Bhadrakali temple.

Historic procession

Historians believe that since the founding of Ahmedabad by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the Bhadrakali Temple has remained an important spiritual centre. According to temple records, King Karnadev built the temple, and an annual procession was held for centuries.

However, during the Mughal rule, some rigid rulers prohibited the procession, leading to its discontinuation. Many Hindu and Jain temples were damaged, affecting religious traditions, including the Rath Yatra. Since then, no efforts have been made to revive the procession.

5,000 devotees to be served bhandara

Around 5,000 devotees will be served bhandara (religious feast) as part of the event. Special fast-friendly prasad will also be provided in honour of Maha Shivaratri. The Bhadrakali Temple Trust plans to make this Rath Yatra an annual tradition if it receives strong community support.

Nagar Yatra timings

After the ritual decoration and morning Aarti, the Nagar Yatra will commence at 8 am. The chariot will first visit the location of Mataji’s sacred palm imprints, then proceed to Teen Darwaza, Baba Maneknath’s shrine, and Manek Chowk.

From there, the chariot will pass through Danapith and the AMC office, where it will be welcomed by the mayor and other officials. The procession will continue through Khamasa and Pagthiya to reach the Jagannath Temple. After that, the chariot will visit Gaikwad Haveli and reach the Sabarmati Riverfront, where a special Aarti will be performed for the Sabarmati River.

The final stops will include Vasant Chowk, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Kotha Hanuman Temple, and Bahuchar Mata Temple, before returning to the Bhadrakali Temple. The event will conclude with a Havan (sacred fire ritual) and Bhandara.