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| RATH YATRA |
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| Celebrated in
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Gujarat |
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| To Commemorate
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Separation of Lord Krishna & the villagers. |
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| Unique Feature
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Biggest Procession in Gujarat |
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| In the month
of :
July |
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It is said in the Bhagvath Purana that Kansa
had sent Akrur to Gokul for bringing Sri Krishna to Mathura. As Krishna had
left with his brother Balram by a chariot leaving behind the Gopis and Gopals
weeping, the day is celebrated in remembrance of this most touching separation
and farewell.
Every year, the idols of Lord Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra from Jagannath
Mandir are traditionally installed on huge chariots. Devotees pull the chariots
in a 'yatra' (procession) through the streets. The local king used to serve by
humbly sweeping the road ahead with a golden broom.
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THE GRAND PROCESSION :
The mammoth procession of Rath Yatra at Ahmedabad is the biggest in Gujarat. It
starts from the Jagdish Mandir situated in the Jamalpur area of the city early
in the morning. There are three separate chariots for the idols of Krishna,
Balram and their sister Subhadra. The chariots resemble those at Jagannath Puri
and are adorned with garlands. |
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| Music bands and Bhajan Mandlis (groups) lead
the procession. Decorated elephants also move with the procession and gymnasts
and acrobats perform astonishing feats. Numerous sadhus of all Vaishnavite
sects and devotees join in this procession headed by the Mahant of Jagannath
Temple. |
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