Ram takes centrestage this Janmashtami

‘‘One of the founder members of Bajrang Dal in Gujarat, Bhatt has been associated with the VHP and the Dal for the past 23 years. This is the main reason we have invited him to Rajkot,’’ said a VHP activist. The procession will be followed by a public meeting at Lathi in Amreli district where Bhatt will be joined by VHP international secretary Pravin Togadia.

Bhatt, who has accepted the invitation, is also looking at the occasion as an opportunity to create awareness about the Ayodhya temple. ‘‘I have accepted the invitation as this festival is celebrated on a large scale in this city,’’ said Bhatt.

He added: ‘‘Like Jagannath Yatra in Ahmedabad and Ramnavmi Yatra in Mehsana, Janmashtami Shobhayatra in Rajkot is equally important and is attended by thousands from all over Saurashtra.’’

‘‘This will provide a platform to reach out to people and create awareness about the issue at a time when we are planning to intensify the movement,’’ he said.

On the special invitation he has received from the VHP, Bhatt said: ‘‘From the agitation in 1984 at Sarayu river to all the kar sevas, I have represented Gujarat at every step of the Ramjanmbhoomi activities. In my constituency too, Janmashtami is celebrated but not on such a large scale, so I will attend the function at Rajkot,’’ said Bhatt.

Bhatt will flag off the Shobhayatra with 107 floats, 150 trucks and tractors and about 1,000 two-wheelers. These floats will also include one with the theme of the attack on the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar and models of various ancient temples that were damaged by Britishers or ‘‘anti-Hindu forces’’ in the past, said a VHP activist.

In six hours — from 9 am to 3 pm — the shobhayatra will pass through all major areas of the city and will conclude at Delux Chowk.