Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi recently joined the traditional Maha Aarti and Netrotsav rituals at the historic Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad’s Jamalpur area. This event marks a significant religious observance ahead of the upcoming 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16. During the ceremonies, Sanghavi hoisted the temple flag, participated in the Maha Aarti, and sought blessings for the well-being of the people of Gujarat.
Energy and Ahmedabad district in-charge Minister Rushikesh Patel was also present at the event. The Netrotsav ceremony, which follows the 15-day Anasar period, signifies the end of the period during which the deities are kept away from public view after the ceremonial bathing festival. As part of the ritual, silk bands were placed over the eyes of the deities during the ‘Navayauvan Darshan’, symbolizing the Lord’s return in a renewed form.
Devotees had the opportunity to witness the deities adorned in the traditional Sonavesh (golden attire). The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, a chariot festival organized by the Jagannath Temple since 1878, is considered one of India’s largest chariot festivals after the Puri Rath Yatra and is a significant religious event in Gujarat. The procession, starting from the Jamalpur temple, attracts numerous devotees annually as it winds through the old city before returning to the shrine.
