RAJKOT, July 11, 2013: Religious fervour spilled out on the streets of Bhavnagar as the 28th Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra passed off peacefully on Wednesday.

The Rath Yatra was kicked off by Vijayrajsinh Gohil of erstwhile princely state of Bhavnagar as per tradition on Wednesday morning at 8am from Subhashnagar. Thousands of people from across the region turned up to take glimpse of Lord Jagannath on its 17km route.

Rath Yatra passed through Ghogha Circle, Rupani Circle, Deverajnagar, Radha Mandir, Marine Society, Nilam Baug Chowk, Nirmal Nagar, Jasonath Chowk, Haluriya and Khar agate among other places in the city.

Various floats in the Rath Yatra were a major attraction for crowds and Bhanaj Mandli and akhadas displayed their skills. Organizers also gave away prizes to floats which demonstrated excellent skills.

A float prepared by Azad Mitra Mandal was awarded with first prize for its magnificent display of 'Kedarnath disaster. "The team showcased how our security forces rescued stranded people in Kedarnath," one of the jury member Kalubhai Dave said.

"About 100 trucks, five jeeps, 15 chhakdas, 25 tractors, 11 horses, five elephants, several 'mandlis' and 'akhadas' joined the Rath Yatra.

About 3 lakh devotees participated on the entire route of the yatra during the day in Bhavnagar. Meanwhile similar fanfare and people's participation was seen in Rajkot's Rath Yatra also, which was taken out from Nana Mauva Road Chowkdi. The yatra travelled to many prominent areas of the city and culminated again at Nana Mauva Road Chowkdi.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 11, 2013.