Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, as per the traditions, did the symbolic cleaning of road from where the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balram and their sister Shubhadra pass.
Thousands of devotees joined the procession as it started its journey through the 14-kilometre long route including some communally sensitive areas in the old city.
The yatra will see participation of 18 decorated elephants, 98 decorated trucks apart from three big decorated chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra, which will be pulled by 1,000 devotees. The main chariots are closely followed by colourfully adorned elephants, trucks, motor vehicles, pilgrims on foot, acrobats and gymnasts.Unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the city for the smooth passing of the yatra, which is the first after the serial blasts last year.
Central paramilitary forces and state police, equipped with modern security gadgets, have been deployed at various locations in Ahmedabad.
