Bhavnagar Jagannath Rath Yatra 2011 – 26th June rolled out on Sunday

Even as the 26th Jaganath Yatra in Bhavnagar is all set to roll out in on Sunday in the city, it is all decked up for the auspicious occasion.

Bhavnagar rath yatra is the second-largest procession in the state after that of Ahmedabad.

Security has been beefed in Bhavnagar for the 17-km long religious procession. Deputy inspector general of police (DIG), B K Shreemali, Junagadh range is camping in the city.

"We have made all the preparations for the rath yatra.

There will be 100 trucks, five jeeps, 15 chhakdas, various mandlis from the region, six horses, five elephants and members of the akhada who will demonstrate various skills during the day-long yatra,'' said Harubhai Gondaliya, president of Jaganath Rathyatra Mahotsav Samiti. He further said that for the first time a van showcasing the history and importance of Somnath temple will also be part of the yatra.

About five lakh devotees are expected to converge on the entire route of the yatra during the day in Bhavnagar. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the yatra's smooth passage. Police and other security forces have carried out a flag march on the route.

"There are in total 4,000 security personnel deployed on the rath yatra route.

Eleven deputy superintendent of police, 30 police inspectors, 100 sub-inspectors, 1,500 home guards jawans, 2,000 constables, six companies of SRP and two companies of Rapid Action Force have been pressed into service,'' said B K Shreemali, DIG, Junagadh range.

"We have erected 12 watch towers in sensitive areas in order to keep a vigil. In addition, the route will also be videographed. We have put barricades at various places along the route. Two DSPs have been assigned to keep a tight vigil on the main rath." Shreemali said.

The yatra will begin on Sunday morning at 8 am from Bhagvaneswar Mahadev Temple in Subhashnagar and pass through Ghogha Circle, Rupani Circle, Devarajnagar, Radha Mandir, Marine Society, Nilam Baug Chowk, Nirmal Nagar, Jasonath Chowk, Haluriya and Khar Gate among others.

"We have made a list of people who might disturb the peace in the city; if anything goes wrong, we may detain them. But it is all for preventive measures,'' the DIG said adding, "However, there has been no untoward incident reported during last one decade during the rath yatra.''

Earlier, a blood camp was organized by the committee and 350 bottle of blood was collected.