By Devansh Desai
Ahmedabad: On the day of the Rathyatra, before Lord Jagannath embarked on his ceremonial procession through the city, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional Pahind Vidhi, marking the start of the grand chariot festival in Ahmedabad.
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— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) June 27, 2025
CM Offers Aarti at Jagannath Temple on Rathyatra Eve
The 148th Jagannath Rathyatra commenced in Ahmedabad today, with all preparations meticulously completed. Security measures were robust, with police and fire department teams on high alert to ensure public safety. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the historic Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, where he offered prayers and performed the sacred aarti, seeking blessings from Lord Jagannath.
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2025 | મુખ્ય પ્રધાન ભૂપેન્દ્ર પટેલે કરી ભગવાન જગન્નાથના આશિર્વાદ લઈને કરી પહિંદ વિધિ | Mumbai Samachar #Ahmedabad #Rathyatra2025 #JaiJagannath #JagannathRathYatra #DivineJourney #Puri #ahmedabad #amitshah #purijagannadh #hindu #festival #gujarat… pic.twitter.com/ca6HimoKxZ
— Mumbai Samachar Official (@Samachar_Mumbai) June 27, 2025
The Chief Minister inaugurated Lord Jagannath’s chariot procession and, while speaking to the media, expressed prayers for Lord Jagannath to grant strength for a developed India. He mentioned that excellent arrangements have been made for devotees to have darshan (viewing of the deity) and to ensure they face no difficulties. The arrangements are in place for the Rath Yatra to conclude successfully. The CM also extended greetings for the Kutch New Year, praying for Lord Jagannath to bestow happiness, peace, and prosperity.
What is the Pahind Vidhi?
The Pahind Vidhi holds profound significance in the Rathyatra tradition. This ritual, performed exclusively by the state’s Chief Minister, involves symbolically sweeping the path of Lord Jagannath’s chariot with a golden broom as the deity sets out on his city procession. Known as “Chhera Pahara” in Odisha’s Puri Rathyatra, this practice was introduced in Gujarat in 1990 and remains a cherished tradition.
PM Modi Sends Offerings to Jagannath Temple
Continuing a long-standing tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent prasad to the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad. The offerings included dry fruits, fresh fruits, mung beans, and chocolates, delivered to the temple by Parindu Bhagat. Notably, the Prime Minister sends prasad to the temple every year for the occasion. On June 27, the day of Ashadhi Beej, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his sister Subhadra and brother Balaram, will set out on the city procession at 6 a.m. The Rathyatra will feature vibrant bhajan groups, decorated elephants, and trucks, creating a festive spectacle for devotees and onlookers alike.