Ahmedabad’s Rath Yatra -A 148-Year-Old Tradition of Devotion
Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India’s oldest and grandest annual religious processions. Dating back to 1878, it is second in scale only to Puri’s Rath Yatra and is marked by deeply rooted rituals, spectacular displays of devotion, and a massive public turnout. The 148th edition of this yatra began early Friday morning with the usual fanfare—chariots pulled through a 16-kilometre route, elaborate decorations, sacred chants, and a massive security presence.
However, this year’s spiritual celebration was briefly disrupted when a male elephant, agitated by loud DJ music and whistles, ran wild through the crowded streets of Khadia, causing panic and injuring at least one person.
The Incident: Moment of Mayhem in Khadia
The chaos unfolded around 10:15 AM near Desai ni Pol in Khadia, when the only male elephant in the procession became disturbed by sharp noises and music. Eyewitnesses described a sudden break in rhythm as the elephant smashed through a barricade and veered into a narrow lane.
“One bystander was injured when the elephant charged into a side street,” confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police Komal Vyas. “The person was promptly hospitalized and the procession resumed soon after.”
Dr. R.K. Sahu, superintendent of Kankaria Zoo and the event’s veterinary advisor, explained:
“The male elephant got irritated, most likely due to loud music and whistle blows. He ran off but was swiftly brought under control by mahouts on two nearby female elephants.”
A viral video circulating online captured the intense moment the elephant broke free, scattering devotees before it was redirected and calmed.
Swift Action Prevents Disaster
Fortunately, the response was quick and coordinated. Mahouts—elephant handlers—mounted on two accompanying elephants followed and calmed the agitated bull without the need for tranquilizers. All three elephants were isolated immediately afterward and removed from the rest of the yatra.
“The situation was controlled without any harm to the animal or public beyond the one reported injury,” Dr. Sahu added. “The male elephant has now been tied and is under observation along with the two females.”
Officials confirmed that the procession continued with 14 of the original 18 elephants, with added monitoring from forest officials, zoo personnel, and three mobile teams equipped with tranquilizer guns.
A Majestic Morning Disrupted
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the Mangala Aarti at 4 AM, followed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducting the traditional Pahind ceremony, where the temple path is symbolically swept to begin the yatra.
The city’s streets came alive with 101 trucks, 30 akhadas, bhajan groups, and 18 majestic elephants, rolling forward from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. The event, steeped in religious sentiment, attracts lakhs of devotees who line the streets to witness and participate in the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Previous Mishaps: When Devotion Meets Danger
This isn’t the first-time crowd control or animal behavior has disrupted a Rath Yatra. In past years:
· In 2009, an elephant collapsed due to heat exhaustion.
· In 2015, two people were injured when a horse pulling a ceremonial chariot panicked and bolted.
· Minor stampedes and heat-related collapses have also been reported in earlier editions.
Such incidents underscore the challenge of managing large-scale religious events with live animals, traditional instruments, and massive crowds.
Tradition Meets Modern Precaution
Ahmedabad’s Rath Yatra continues to be a remarkable fusion of faith, history, and culture. But Friday’s incident reminds us that even time-honoured traditions must evolve with modern safety standards. Authorities handled the elephant scare efficiently this year, but moving forward, greater noise regulation, animal stress monitoring, and public awareness will be key to preserving both safety and sanctity.
As the chariots returned to the temple by evening, the faithful were reminded that devotion must be balanced with discipline—for the safety of people and animals alike.
(With agency inputs)
