Amdavadis are showering their affection on lord Jagannath and how!
With the 134th Rath Yatra scheduled to take place on July 3 in the city, the Jagannath Temple has received a record-breaking 450 bags of moong from devotees to be distributes as prasad on the Rath Yatra day. The Yatra will be taking place on Ashadh sud beej on Sunday.
Sharing details about city's own social and religious festival, Mahendra Jha, managing trustee of Jagannath Temple said, "This is one of the biggest events of the city, where lord Jagannath moves out of his temple along with elder brother Balaram and sister Subhadra to give darshan to devotees. This year we have received nearly 450 bags of moong to be distributed as prasad."
He further said that many devotees are giving 20 to 25 kg bag of moong to the temple in the name of the Lord. The temple generally receives on an average 200 to 250 bags each year.
"This year the number has touched 400 to 450 bags and the flow will continue till July 2. This shows the rise in participation," said Jha.
Clothes for the Trinity were brought to the temple on Wednesday. Atul Pandya, resident of Manekbag Society in Ambawadi brought the clothes which the Gods will be adorned with during Mangala Aarti on Rath Yatra day. Pandya said, "It was our family's wish to do something for the Lord as a sign of our devotion. This is our small contribution to Him."
Chief minister Narendra Modi will do the Pahind Vidhi'- the ritual of cleaning the God's path with a golden broom, for 10th consecutive time this year. At 4am after the Mangala Aarti in the temple, a special prasad of Khichdi, pumpkin and cluster bean (guar) curry and curd will be offered to the Trinity as prasad.
Laleet Lodha, president of Rath Yatra Motor Association said, "The trucks will carry various tableaus depicting Indian culture. They will compete in three categories. After the Yatra, managing trustee of Jagannath temple, Mahendra Jha will give out prizes to the winners in the various categories.
