Ahmedabad : The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra started in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning, with thousands of devotees gathering at the Jagannath Temple for the annual procession. After the traditional rituals and the ceremonial Pahind Vidhi were completed, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra set out on their 16-km traditional route across the city.
The procession includes three chariots carrying the deities, 18 elephants, 103 decorated trucks, around 30 akhadas and several bhajan mandalis. Lakhs of devotees are expected to stand along the route to catch a glimpse of the deities and take part in the celebrations.
A massive security arrangement has been made for the Rath Yatra. More than 31,000 police and security personnel have been deployed across the city to ensure the procession is peaceful and safe. The security plan has been divided into 26 ranges, 53 areas and 1,397 deployment points.
The force includes senior IPS officers, Joint Commissioners of Police, 42 DCPs, 93 ACPs, 303 Police Inspectors and 673 Police Sub-Inspectors. Fifteen SRP companies, nearly 1,000 paramilitary and BSF personnel, along with teams from the CRPF and RAF, have also been deployed.
Police are using the latest technology to monitor the procession. More than 100 drones are keeping watch from the air, while every elephant has been fitted with a GPS tracker, CCTV camera and decibel meter. AI-based facial recognition cameras, AI voice bots, anti-drone guns and an upgraded wireless communication system are also being used to strengthen security.
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is monitoring the moving security convoy throughout the procession. At the same time, cyber crime teams are keeping a close watch on social media to stop rumours, fake news and any provocative posts that could disturb peace during the Rath Yatra.