In Photos: Nine-Day Rath Yatra Kicks Off Amid Heavy Security

The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security.

(Photo: AP)

The 142nd Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in the wee hours of Thursday, 4 July, at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Temple.

The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security as lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route to catch a glimpse of the deity.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with his wife Sonal Shah, performed the 'Mangala Aarti' to kick-start the annual festival.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is among the three largest Rath Yatras, which includes the one in Puri, Odisha.

Lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route during Rath Yatra.

A man performs a bike stunt during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.

Devotees dance during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.

Devotees dance and celebrate during the annual festival of Rath Yatra.

Lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route to catch a glimpse of the deity.

Festivities during the nine-day festival.

Devotees during Rath Yatra.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik distributes Abhada Torani to devotees during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.

Devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra, in New Delhi, Thursday.

The nine-day annual chariot festival began amid heavy security.