Vadodara: Amid the chants of ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ the 37th Jagannath Rath Yatra passed through the city on Saturday to mark the occasion of ‘ashadhi bij’.The Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON temple commenced from the railway station after mayor Jigisha Sheth inaugurated the procession by sweeping the road in front of Lord Jagannanth’s Rath.As the rath moved towards the old city area from Sayajigunj, the number of devotees on road swelled. Rains too took a break so that Barodians can get a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balram and Devi Subhadra. Many young devotees were also seen taking selfie with the rath in the background.As the rath reached Machhipith, members of minority community welcomed it to spread the message of communal harmony. Many politicians too hoarded to pay their respects.The centre of attraction remained volunteers dressed up as Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Chhatrapati Shivaji among others. Devotees also made a beeline to take ‘prasad’ of ‘halva’ and fruits.The Rath Yatra concluded peacefully late in the evening near Baroda High School in Bagikhana after covering 6.5km. The city police had made sure that the Rath Yatra passed without any hiccups and that too in time. Extra forces were deployed near Nyay Mandir and senior police officials too visited where communal violence had taken place last month.

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