Jagannath rath yatra may extend to west Ahmedabad

The Jagannath rath yatra may be extended to west Ahmedabad in the coming year,following requests from residents living in the western parts of the city. The temple authorities admitted the trust was contemplating an extension of nearly 10 kms to the existing 15-km route that is limited to the walled-city.

“The temple trust completely supports the request. Even we want that maximum number of devotees visit for a darshan of Lord Jagannath. The trust has been holding meetings to discuss its feasibility and modalities,” said Jagannath Temple Mahant Dalipdas Maharaj.

Once the trust gives a formal nod,the request will be forwarded to the concerned authorities. Keeping the elaborate security and administrative arrangements in mind,it is not possible to extend the route of the 136th rath yatra,scheduled on July 10,this year. At present,the procession of the rath yatra is carried out on nearly 15-km route that passes through communally sensitive areas,including Kalupur,Prem Darwaja,Delhi Chakla,Dariyapur and Shahpur.

Mahant Maharaj,however,didn’t disclose the areas in the West zone.