The annual Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad has brought good fortune to vehicle dealers, with a significant 21% increase in sales. More than 6,700 vehicles are slated for delivery, including 5,500 two-wheelers and 1,200 four-wheelers—a notable rise from last year. This surge in sales has finally dispelled the COVID-related blues that previously impacted two-wheeler purchases.
Experts attribute the sales surge to robust demand, particularly for two-wheelers, coupled with attractive offers. Pranav Shah from FADA Gujarat highlighted that the market for electric bikes, scooters and high-end motorcycles is thriving as Covid-related constraints ease.
While two-wheeler sales have surged by 45% compared to last year’s Rath Yatra, new car sales, though strong, are slightly lower. Approximately 1,200 passenger vehicles are scheduled for delivery this Sunday, down from 1,800 last year. The festive spirit of Rath Yatra, along with dealer incentives, is driving passenger vehicle sales in Ahmedabad, especially for SUVs and luxury cars.
Dealers are enticing buyers with substantial discounts ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 2 lakh on cars and Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 on two-wheelers. Ahmedabad typically accounts for half of all vehicle sales on Rath Yatra day, according to industry insiders.
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2024: Route and Timings of the Procession
The Rath Yatra festival in Ahmedabad is the second-largest in India, following the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. It commences from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, where chariots carry Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra on their annual journey.
The grand procession includes three chariots, around 15 decorated elephants, 100 trucks with displays and participants from religious groups, akharas, local gyms and singing troupes, as detailed on the official government website. Covering an 18 km route through the Old City, the yatra culminates back at the temple around 8:30 PM.
The traditional Rath Yatra procession route in Ahmedabad passes through several key locations, including Jamalpur Chakla, Vaishya Sabha, Gollimda, Astodia Chakla, Madangopal ni Haveli, Raipur Chakla, Khadia Juni Gate, Khadia Crossroads, Panchkuva, Kalupur Circle, Kalupur Bridge and Saraspur.
Officials announced that over 18,000 security personnel will be on duty to ensure the safety of the Rath Yatra, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the police department’s preparations for the event in a meeting attended by Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and Director General of Police Vikas Sahay.
Also Read: Union HM Amit Shah Leads ‘Mangla Aarti’ at Gujarat’s Jagannath Temple On 147th Rath Yatra
