Ahmedabad: Amidst tremendous religious fervour and tight security, the 126th Rath Yatra began from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area of the city early on July 1.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi performed the traditional ritual of "Pahind" by sweeping the path with a golden broom, paving way for the Yatra to begin.

Modi, along with Union Minister Harin Pathak and Gujarat Ministers Ashok Bhatt and Amit Shah, also pulled the chariot till the temple entrance, from where it will traverse nearly 24 kms route through various areas of the walled city and returning back late in the evening.

The religious proceedings began at 4.00 am with the "mangla arti" performed by the mahants, followed by seating of the idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Baldev in the chariots amidst chanting of "Jai Ranchod...Makhan Chor".

A thick security blanket has been thrown in and around the Lord Jagannath temple and in the city, with nearly 6000 para-military jawans posted along the yatra route, which also passes through some sensitive areas.

Thousands of people began thronging the temple since early morning to have darshan and "prasad" (offering), consisting of "khichdi" offered to God during mangla arti.

Nearly 20,000 kgs of cereal and other fruits would be distributed as prasad to devotees during the procession.

PTI