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

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.