‘Mangala Aarti Always Brings A Special Sense Of Spiritual Fulfilment’: Amit Shah

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at Ahmedabad’s historic Shree Jagannath Temple on Thursday, marking the beginning of the 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Describing the occasion as one of deep devotion, Shah said the ritual brought him ‘a special sense of spiritual fulfilment’ as he sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath before the annual procession commenced.

Sharing his experience on social media platform X, Shah said he had offered prayers to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath on the sacred occasion of the Rath Yatra. He expressed hope that the deity would continue to bless everyone, adding that participating in the Mangala Aarti is always a spiritually enriching experience filled with faith and devotion.

श्री जगन्नाथ रथयात्रा के पावन अवसर पर अहमदाबाद स्थित श्री जगन्नाथ जी मंदिर की मंगला आरती में सम्मिलित होकर महाप्रभु का आशीर्वाद लिया। भक्ति व आस्था से ओतप्रोत यह क्षण सदैव विशेष अनुभूति देता है।

महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ से प्रार्थना है कि वे सभी पर अपनी कृपा बनाए रखें।

जय जगन्नाथ! pic.twitter.com/6BhhGsAUdH

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 16, 2026

The Mangala Aarti is among the first and most significant rituals performed on Rath Yatra day before the ceremonial departure of the chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra through the city.

Held annually on Ashadhi Bij, the Ahmedabad Jagannath Rath Yatra begins from the nearly 400-year-old Shree Jagannath Temple in the Jamalpur area.

The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, the second-largest in India after Puri, drew lakhs of devotees.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional Pahind Vidhi before the chariots began their 16-kilometre procession.

Authorities deployed over 31,000 police personnel, supported by drones, CCTV cameras and AI-enabled surveillance, to ensure the event was conducted smoothly and securely.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and other agencies also made comprehensive arrangements for traffic management, sanitation, medical services and emergency response, ensuring the safe and orderly participation of thousands of devotees throughout the procession.

Also Read: ‘Rath Yatra Embodies Humility, Collective Participation And Selfless Service’: PM Modi