On February 26, 2025, the city of Ahmedabad witnessed a momentous event—the grand Nagar Yatra of Maa Bhadrakali. After 614 years, the Maa Bhadrakali’s procession was taken out to commemorate Ahmedabad’s foundation day, blending history, devotion, and cultural pride in a way never seen before.
614 Years of Tradition Revived
The Bhadrakali Yatra, which was first conducted 614 years ago, had not taken place since the Mughal era. Ahmedabad, once known as Karnavati, was established by King Karnadev, who also established the Bhadrakali Mandir. The first Nagar Yatra was a significant event in the city’s history, symbolising its growth and cultural richness. However, after the Mughal period, the tradition was halted—until now.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: After 614 years, the Nagar Yatra of Maa Bhadrakali is being held on the city’s foundation day. Covering 6.25 km, the procession includes key landmarks, with tight security and traffic diversions in place pic.twitter.com/EbDw56dOvd
— IANS (@ians_india) February 26, 2025
This year, the Nagar Yatra was revived to commemorate both the foundation of Ahmedabad and the rich history tied to Bhadrakali Maa. Devang Dani, chairman of the standing committee of the temple, spoke about the significance of this day, saying, “This is a day of happiness for us. It is also the foundation day of Ahmedabad. The name of Ahmedabad is spread across the country and the world. This is our wish. This yatra is being taken out after 614 years. In such a situation, this day becomes very important for all of us.”
A Historic Day for Ahmedabad
The Nagar Yatra, marking Ahmedabad’s foundation day and coinciding with the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri, was flagged off from the Bhadrakali Mandir at Teen Darwaza by Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain. This historic event marked the first time in over six centuries that the Maa Goddess Bhadrakali’s chariot took to the streets of Ahmedabad. The magnificent procession, with over 5000 devotees, saints, and pilgrims, covered a 6-km route, leaving the citizens mesmerized by the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
The Route of the Yatra
The chariot carrying the revered Paduka (footwear) of Maa Bhadrakali made its way through the city’s iconic locations. Starting at the Bhadrakali Mandir, the procession passed through historic areas, including Teen Darwaza, Guru Manek, Manekchowk, Khamsa, and Jamalpur Darwaza, before making its way to Jagannath Mandir. A special Sabarmati River Aarti at the Riverfront was one of the event’s highlights, drawing massive crowds. After completing the aarti, the yatra returned to the Bhadrakali Mandir, where a grand havan and bhandaar were organised.
A Grand Spectacle with Devotees and Cultural Performances
More than 5000 people, including devotees, cultural performers, and religious leaders, participated in the yatra. The procession included various cultural groups, such as the Nashik Dhol Group, three bhajan troupes, 15 cars, 100 two-wheelers, and even an elephant from the Jagannath Temple. The streets were filled with music, flags, and the sound of devotional chants as the Yatra made its way through the city, bringing together diverse communities in celebration.
Authorities Ensure Smooth Traffic Flow
The Nagar Yatra was a meticulously planned event, with authorities taking great care to ensure that traffic flow remained undisturbed and the safety of participants was maintained. Traffic movement was diverted temporarily as the procession made its way through the city. Over 160 traffic personnel, including senior officers, were deployed along the route, with security measures in place to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
Niraj Badgujar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-1), stated, “We had already taken all necessary precautions to ensure the event proceeded smoothly without any chaos. Our teams were deployed early in the morning, with special units monitoring the entire procession. Everything went according to plan.”
Bhadrakali Mandir
The Bhadrakali Mandir in Ahmedabad holds special importance. After Deepawali, the Gujarati New Year begins, which is called Besata Varsh. On this day, the Chief Minister of Gujarat comes to Bhadrakali Mandir every year and, after getting the blessings of Bhadrakali Maa, prays for the peace and happiness of the citizens. Till the year 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, used to come to Bhadrakali Mandir on the first day of the new year and receive the blessings of the Maa.
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