Vadodara Rath Yatra To Be Held With Simplicity In Tribute To Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims

Vadodara: As the annual Rath Yatra approaches, the Iskcon temple in Vadodara has announced that this year’s celebration will be observed with simplicity as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad.

While Ahmedabad traditionally hosts Gujarat’s largest Rath Yatra, other cities like Vadodara also celebrate the event with great enthusiasm. However, the 44th Vadodara Rath Yatra will be celebrated with simplicity this year. The Iskcon temple made the decision in light of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. A two-minute silence was observed to honor the victims before the announcement.

Iskcon Vadodara’s Vice President, Nityanandji, shared that the Rath Yatra will take place on its scheduled date, Ashadhi Bij, as per tradition, and will begin at 2:30 PM from the railway station. The ceremonial “Pahind” ritual will be conducted by the Mayor of Vadodara.

Despite the scaled-back celebration, over a million devotees are expected along the procession route. As part of the festivities, 45 tonnes of sweet “Sheera” prasad will be distributed. The procession will pass through key locations including Sayajibaug, Kalaghoda, Salatwada, Kothi Office, Raopura Main Road, Jubilee Baug, Padmavati Shopping Center, Sursagar, Dandiyabazar, Khanderao Market, Lal Court, District Court, Madanzapa, Kevdabaug, and will conclude at Polo Ground at around 8 PM. A community meal (Bhandara) will follow at the temple, where devotees can partake in prasad.

The temple and the chariot have also been freshly painted, with volunteers working to prepare for the sacred journey. The chariot design is inspired by the one used in the famed Puri Rath Yatra of Odisha, where Lord Jagannath embarks on his annual city tour.

Despite the simplicity of the event, the spirit of devotion remains strong among Vadodara’s devotees.

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