PM Modi’s tableau a hit in Jagannath’s Rathyatra

The popularity of the former chief minister of Gujarat was witnessed with the screams and slogans of ‘Modi Modi,’ when a tableau showing a man wearing a mask, which was a look alike of Modi, passed through the procession.

The tableau also showed the man (Modi look alike) displaying the sign of victory standing in a replica of Parliament, indicating the win he got in the recent Lok Sabha polls.

Also, ‘Modi’ was shown among the ‘SAARC’ leaders while showing a gesture of friendship with countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal, reminding the people of the PM’s invitation to their leaders during his swearing-in ceremony. Modi was the only chief minister of Gujarat who had performed ‘Pahind Vidhi’(symbolic path cleaning on chariot of Lord Jagannath) for a record 12 times.

In a tweet on Sunday, Modi recollected the fond memories and said that he cherished that experience.

He also greeted the people on the occasion of the 137th Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath and prayed for peace, prosperity and rains in the country.

The Rathyatra began from the over 400-year-old iconic Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area in the city amid tight security.

This time ‘Pahind Vidhi’ was performed by the state’s first woman Chief Minister Anandi Patel.

The Rathyatra will traverse through about 14 kms route in the city. Other tableaux depicting image of Narendra Modi were also part of the Lord Jagannath Rathyatra procession, wherein the prime minister was shown in different roles including that of the ‘Bheeshm Pitamaha’ from the epic Mahabharat.

The particular tableau with the Mahabharat theme has put up a poster of Modi with a text referring him as the modern day Bheeshm.

‘Great India’s Pitamah (grandfather) has awakened. He walked along with the masses,’ the message reads.

In another tableau, a lifesize cut-out of the prime minister was placed in front of the replica of the Red Fort where he was shown addressing the nation on the Independence Day.