SURAT, July 11, 2013: Thousands of devotees participated in the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra organized in the city which turned out to be a joyful celebration with continuous rainfall till late evening. TheRathYatra, organized by ISKCON temple, started near Surat railway station and ended at ISKCON temple in Jahangirpura in the evening.

Around 10,000 people participated in Lord Jagannath's yatra which remained peaceful throughout the route. Apart from the decked-up horses, no other animals were used in the yatra this year. Women were seen cleaning the streets ahead of the chariot with a golden broom.

It was interesting to note that more number of women were pulling the rope of the rath compared to men. The procession included a few ornamental tractors carrying some of the participants while the rest joined in dancing. Many worshipers also performed group dances in colourful costumes. Khir, bundi and dry fruits were distributed to devotees as 'prasad'.

Other Rath Yatras were also organized at Lanka Vijay Hanuman Temple in Amroli, Godiya Gopal Temple in Mahidharpura, Jagannath Mahaprabhu Temple in Pandesara and Krishna Temple in Sachin. The Rath Yatra organized by Lanka Vijay Hanuman Temple is the oldest in the city, with the temple organizing the grand procession from Varachha to Amroli for the last 27 years.

Police had arranged heavy bandobast on the Rath Yatra route with one company of SRP, 200 home guards, 150 traffic brigade jawans, 816 head constables and constables, 62 PSI, 25 PI, 8 assistant commissioners of police, 5 deputy commissioners of police and 3 additional commissioners of police.

"The yatra remained peaceful on its route and there were no issues during the day. The police had carried out a flag march on Tuesday as preparation," said S K Gadhvi, deputy commissioner of police, Zone-IV.
 

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 11, 2013.