Anandiben becomes first woman to flag off Jagannath Yatra

Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel on Sunday created history becoming the first woman to perform ‘Pahind Vidhi’, a ritual to start Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Ahmedabad, as a sea of devotees thronged the city roads to witness the 137th Rath Yatra. Patel, who is the first woman chief minister of Gujarat, also became the first woman to perform ‘Pahind Vidhi’ in the 137 years history of Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. Earlier, no female had this honour to perform ‘Pahind Vidhi’. 

Traditionally, the CM performs ‘Pahind Vidhi’ ritual, where the CM cleans Lord Jagannath’s chariot path with a golden broom.