Watch: Viral video shows an elephant going rogue during the Jagannath yatra in Ahmedabad
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered Hindu festivals in India that has its origins tracing back to Puri, Odisha, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The festival is celebrated by the grand annual journey of the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, from their temple to the Gundicha Temple in majestic chariots. Every year, millions of devotees gather in Puri to pull the massive wooden chariots using ropes, which is based on a centuries-old tradition.
Over the years, this sacred event has found its way to other cities across India, where it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
In cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and New Delhi, grand processions with decorated chariots, elephants, bands, and cultural performances bring in large crowds to their respective places.
The elephant goes out of control during the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad
A moment of panic happened during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad on Friday morning when a male elephant from the 18-elephant group suddenly went out of control near Desai Ni Pol in Khadia.
The incident occurred as the massive religious procession was moving along its usual route.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
India's first integrated Power Backup Solution - Livguard Lithium-X
Livguard
Learn More
Undo
According to a TOI report, RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, said, the elephant, the only male among the group, 'suddenly became agitated and began running, veering away from the designated path of the procession.'
The zoo and procession management teams quickly tried to bring this situation under control. 'Following protocol, the elephant was immediately given a tranquiliser injection.
Two female elephants were used to gently herd him away from the crowd, in line with our standard safety strategy,' said Sahu.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the startled crowd soon calmed down as the situation stabilised. The other people who were eager to join the crowd and crossed nearby were momentarily alarmed, but later praised the quick response from officials and handlers.
Officials later confirmed that the male elephant has now been isolated and will not rejoin the ongoing Rath Yatra procession.
The other 17 elephants, all female, continued the journey peacefully without further disruption.
The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, known as one of the largest in the country after Puri, is an important cultural and spiritual event. With heavy footfall and elaborate arrangements including elephants, chariots, and multiple layers of crowd control, safety remains a top priority.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
REET 2025 certificate: How to download your REET 2025 certificate PDF from reet2024.co.in step-by-step
RBSE releases REET 2025 certificate: Download now from REET 2025 certificate: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has officially issued the REET 2025 certificates for candidates who successfully passed the Rajasthan Teacher Eligibility Examination (REET). This certificate serves as a mandatory document for appointment as a teacher in government schools across Rajasthan. All qualified candidates can now access and download their REET 2025 certificate through the official portals — or To obtain the certificate, applicants must log in with their roll number and date of birth. The digital certificate is essential proof of eligibility and must be preserved for future recruitment processes. Certificate is essential for teacher recruitment in Rajasthan The REET certificate is a vital eligibility document required to apply for teaching positions in Rajasthan's government schools. It contains key candidate details including name, father's or husband's name, date of birth, REET roll number, year of examination, level (Level-1 or Level-2), total marks, marks obtained, passing percentage, and pass/fail status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo It is also duly signed and stamped by the recognition authority, with the date of issue clearly mentioned. Importantly, the REET 2025 certificate has now been declared valid for life. Candidates who qualify in this examination will not need to appear for it again in the future. They may apply for teaching posts at any time using this lifetime-valid certificate. How to download your REET 2025 certificate PDF from To access your REET certificate, follow these simple steps: Step 1: Visit the official website – Go to using any web browser. Step 2: Click on the certificate download link – On the homepage, locate and click on the 'REET 2025 Certificate Download' link. Step 3: Enter your credentials – Provide your REET roll number and date of birth accurately in the login section. Step 4: Submit the details – Click on the 'Submit' button to proceed. Step 5: Download and print the certificate – Once your certificate appears on the screen, download it in PDF format and take a printout for safekeeping. Direct link to download the REET 2025 certificate What to check on your REET 2025 certificate After downloading, candidates should carefully verify all details mentioned on the certificate. These include personal information, exam details, marks, and official seal and signature. Any discrepancy should be reported to RBSE immediately. Candidates are advised to retain both digital and printed copies of the certificate, as it will be necessary at the time of document verification during recruitment. For a smooth experience, use the direct link available on the official website and avoid unofficial portals or third-party links. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Amid relentless downpour, over a million devotees throng Puri for grand Rath Yatra
Puri, June 27 (UNI) In an awe-inspiring convergence of devotion and divine grace, over a million pilgrims gathered in Puri today to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—eternal symbols of the divine journey and cosmic rhythm. Braving relentless monsoon showers and oppressive humidity, the faithful remained undeterred. Their hearts uplifted, they came to catch a glimpse of Mahaprabhu as he emerged from the sanctum and ascended his chariot for the revered nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha temple, accompanied by his divine siblings. According to the temple Panjika, a rare planetary alignment this year resulted in the compression of two significant rituals—Netra Utsav and Nabajouban Vesha—into a single, auspicious Thursday, intensifying the spiritual fervour preceding the Yatra. As the gates of Simhadwar opened and Lord Jagannath emerged, adorned with floral headgear and divine grace, the Badadanda (Grand Avenue) resonated with chants of 'Jai Jagannath,' 'Haribol,' and the rhythmic huluhuli (ululation) of women, enveloping the atmosphere in a trance-like devotion. Devotees, soaked in both rain and spiritual ecstasy, strained to glimpse their beloved Lord as He descended the temple steps in the traditional Pahandi procession, flanked by Daita servitors. While cool water from sprinklers eased the physical discomfort, it was unwavering faith that truly sustained the massive gathering. Beginning at Brahma Muhurta, priests performed the morning rituals, including Mangal Arati, Mailam, Tadapa Lagi, Abakasha, Surya Puja, and Rosa Homa. The deities were then dressed in fresh adornments and offered Khichdi Bhog—a simple yet sacred meal. At precisely 10:20 a.m., the ceremonial Dhadi Pahandi (processional entry in sequence) began. Lord Balabhadra was carried to the Taladhwaja, Devi Subhadra to the Darpadalan, and Lord Jagannath to the Nandighosh chariot. Their regal journey was accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ghantas, mridangas, conch shells, and classical Odissi dance performances that elevated the collective spirit. By 12:30 p.m., the Lord of the Universe had ascended His chariot. In keeping with ancient tradition, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Neeschalananda Saraswati of Govardhan Peeth offered prayers atop the sacred chariots, accompanied by his disciples. Soon after, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb arrived in a splendidly adorned palanquin to perform the Chhera Pahanra—a ceremonial sweeping of the chariot platforms with a golden broom—symbolizing humility in kingship and divine servitude. At 4:00 p.m., devotees were blessed with the opportunity to pull Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja. This was followed by Devi Subhadra's Darpadalan and then Lord Jagannath's majestic Nandighosh chariot. More than just a religious festival, the Rath Yatra is a cosmic choreography—an age-old divine drama reaffirming that the Lord descends to walk among His devotees. Prominent leaders including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and K.V. Singhdeo, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present to witness the celestial procession. Amid heightened security concerns following the recent Pahalgam incident, the holy city was transformed into a fortress of vigilance. Over 10,000 personnel—including RAF, NDRF, NSG, anti-drone units, and AI-monitored surveillance teams—ensured seamless security. The Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Marine Police scanned the coastline, while lifeguards were deployed along the seashore to prevent drowning incidents. Despite adverse weather, fire service personnel and NGO volunteers worked tirelessly—sprinkling water to cool the crowds, assisting fainting devotees, and attending to injuries on the beach. Nearly a thousand devotees were treated and later discharged, their devotion unshaken. District Magistrate Sidharth Sankar Swain, SP Vinit Agarwal, SJTA Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other top officials coordinated efforts with unwavering commitment to ensure a flawless event. As the chariots prepare to roll forward and lakhs chant, "Jagannath Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhavatu Me", the divine message is clear—Lord Jagannath comes forth, not only to bless the world but to become a part of it. UNI XC DP BM
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Lord Jagannath and siblings begin nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple
Puri, June 27 (UNI) The nine-day sojourn of the presiding deities of the Shree Jagannath Temple—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—began this morning amidst the chanting of "Haribol" and "Jai Jagannath" and the rhythmic clanging of cymbals that echoed through the temple town. Lakhs of devotees thronged the pilgrim city, converging along the three-kilometre-long 'Bada Danda' (Grand Road), stretching from the Lions Gate of the 12th-century temple to the Gundicha Temple, to witness the world-famous annual Rath Yatra. The divine siblings, along with Lord Sudarshan, were first offered Gopal Bhog (breakfast) following the completion of daily rituals. Thereafter, they were ceremoniously brought out from the sanctum sanctorum ('Ratna Vedi') in the grand procession known as Pahandi Bije and taken to their elaborately decorated chariots stationed outside the temple. Hundreds of temple servitors carried the deities on their shoulders through Ananda Bazaar and down the Baishi Pahacha to the Lions Gate, amid tight security and the blowing of conch shells. As per tradition, Lord Balabhadra is the first to be brought out and placed on the Taladhwaja chariot, followed by Devi Subhadra on the Darpadalana chariot. Lastly, Lord Jagannath—lovingly referred to as Kalia by devotees—will be installed on the Nandighosa chariot. A massive crowd gathered at the Lions Gate to catch a glimpse of the deities boarding their chariots, marking the beginning of their journey to the Gundicha Temple. Rooftops of buildings lining both sides of the Bada Danda were filled with devotees since early morning. All lanes and bylanes leading to the Grand Road were packed as people tried to enter the area for a sacred darshan of the deities on their chariots. According to temple sources, after the deities were placed on their respective chariots, the Gajapati King of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, will perform the traditional Chera Panhara (sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom). The Shankaracharya of Puri will also have darshan of the Trinity on their respective chariots. The chariots will be pulled one after another by lakhs of devotees along the Bada Danda to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will stay for nine days before returning to the main temple during the Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival). An elaborate security arrangement has been put in place, with over 10,000 personnel, including BSF, CRPF, RAF, NSG commandos, anti-drone squads, and snipers, deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and State Marine Police are patrolling the coastline, while 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras and drone jammers have been installed along Bada Danda and surrounding areas. These are connected to an integrated command and control centre. To handle the massive footfall and ensure public safety, 36 designated parking zones and an ambulance corridor have been arranged along Bada Danda. Over 500 lifeguards have been deployed to monitor the beach. Temporary accommodation with essential facilities and free food distribution centres has been set up at the railway station, as per directions from the Union Rail Minister. On the healthcare front, the government has arranged 268 indoor patient beds, along with facilities for sunstroke and burn injuries. A total of 378 doctors and paramedics have been deployed in Puri to handle medical emergencies. ADG (Traffic) Dayal Gangwar said that a special integrated traffic control plan, inspired by the Kumbh Mela model, has been implemented. Ten digital communication systems have been set up for team-wise traffic management, with 300 private security personnel assisting in processing data. Six enforcement teams have been tasked with removing vehicles parked in no-parking zones, and more than 80 traffic aid posts are operational to manage vehicular flow. UNI DP ARN
