Ahmedabad : Pahind ritual in 144th Rath yatra performed by chief minister Vijay Rupani. Before starting the 144th Jagannath Rath Yatra on the auspicious occasion of AshadhiBij, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani worshipped to Lord Jagannathji in the temple premises in the early morning in Ahmedabad. For the fifth consecutive time, CM Vijay Rupani has been blessed to perform ‘Pahind’ ritual of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and Minister of State for Home Affairs Pradipsinh Jadeja also participated in the ceremony with devotion. CM in this year’s Rath Yatra also cleansed the chariot of God with a gold broom. On this occasion of Ashadhi Bij Kutchi New Year, the Chief Minister also expressed his good wishes to all the brothers and sisters of the Kutchi community. The Chief Minister said that due to coronavirus situation, a rath yatra has been held this year as per COVID protocol. Taking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, he also prayed that Gujarat would become the first Corona-free state in the country and the entire situation in the state be restored. CM further said that following the far-sighted vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a plan has been made to avail one-million-acre feet water of Narmada in Kutch district. This Narmada water will add to prosperity of Kutch district. The Deputy Chief Minister said that in the current situation of coronavirus, the state government has organized this rath yatra with special arrangements in compliance with COVID guidelines to ensure peaceful implementation of this festival. This rath yatra has proved to be a symbol of brotherhood and unity and has a special importance for the state and the nation. On this occasion, Mayor of Ahmedabad Kirit Parmar, Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja, Mahant of the temple DilipDasji Maharaj, Trustee Mahendra Jha and other leaders were present for the darshan of Jagannathji.