Lord Jagannath Yatra begins

The 132nd 'rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath began this morning from Jagganath temple in Jamalpur area here amidst tight security arrangements.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi symbolically cleaned the road from where the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balram and their Sister Subhadra passes.

Thousands of devotees joined the procession as it started its journey through the 14-kilometre long route including some communally sensitive areas in the old city.

The 'rathyatra', oldest in the state, had devotees lined up alongside the chariots of Lord Jagannath, brother Balram and sister Shubhadra.

Eighteen decorated elephants and 98 decorated trucks will participate in the yatra in which three big decorated chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balram and their sister Subhadra will be pulled by 1,000 devotees.

The main chariots are closely followed by colourfully adorned elephants, trucks, motor vehicles, pilgrims on foot, acrobats and gymnasts.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the city for the smooth conduct of the yatra, which is the first after the serial blasts last year. Central paramilitary forces and state police have been deployed at various location in Ahmedabad.