Narendra Modi flags off Jagannath yatra in Ahmedabad

The annual chariot festival of the Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra started here Wednesday morning with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the procession amid chanting of hymns.

Modi was seen boarding one of the chariots and offering prayers to Lord Jagannath as well as cleaning his chariot.

The festival began from the 400-year-old temple Jamalpur area in the city, where hundreds gather to witness the rituals.

Keeping up the tradition, elephants would lead the procession as it covers the 14-kilometre route in the state, passing through 127 localities amid tight security.

Modi said he prayed for peace and tranquility to prevail across the country.

"I am lucky to be a part of this religious festival each year. I pray to god Jagannath for peace, brotherhood, prosperity, unity and integrity of our country. I also hope that our country continues to progress and evolve with his blessings," he added.

Nearly a million Hindu pilgrims are expected to converge for the for the 1,000 year old annual chariot festival.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the entire town, in wake of the recent serial blasts at the revered Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar.

Policemen and paramilitary personnel patrolled the streets to ensure safe passage for the chariot procession.

To avert attacks, security personnel would conduct aerial patrolling and also monitor the procession using 20 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

At least 104 platoons of force including six Special Operations Group (SOG) units have been also been deployed.