AI Cameras To Manage Crowds At Ahmedabad Rath Yatra

India is celebrated not just for its stunning landscapes, diverse cuisine, and rich culture, but also for its vibrant festivals. Among these, the Jagannath Rath Yatra also referred to as the "Jagannath Puri Yatra," stands out as one of the largest and most important festivals in the country. Held annually in Puri, Odisha, this magnificent occasion honors Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Following the Rath Yatra in Puri, the one in Ahmedabad is the next largest and attracts thousands of devotees from Gujarat and beyond. This year, the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad will occur on June 27, aligned with Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. To ensure safety amidst the anticipated massive turnout, the Gujarat police plan to implement an AI-driven surveillance system with drones to avoid overcrowding or stampedes during the procession.

With around 14 to 15 lakh people expected to attend, the Ahmedabad crime branch will utilize advanced AI visual analytics software. This system will analyze live video footage from CCTV cameras and drones positioned along the route.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Bharat Patel explained that the software will assess crowd density at specific locations and anticipate further influxes, alerting officers to take preventive measures.

The AI system aims to enhance safety by counting the number of people, determining maximum capacity, and guiding police to manage crowds, ensuring smooth procession flow.

The Rath Yatra, featuring adorned chariots, will begin at about 7 am from the historic Lord Jagannath temple in Jamalpur and cover a 16 km route, finishing back at the temple by 8 pm.

What To Know About Rath Yatra In Ahmedabad

The chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, are part of the annual yatra that starts from the historic Jagannath temple in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad. This vibrant procession features not only the three chariots but also around 15 beautifully decorated elephants, 100 trucks showcasing various tableaux, and participants from religious groups, local gyms, and singing troupes. The yatra makes its way through an 18 km route in the Old City before returning to the temple around 8:30 PM.

Known as the Festival of Chariot and Color, it draws crowds from Ahmedabad and surrounding areas, with people filling the streets to celebrate and offer their prayers to Lord Jagannath. The traditional route for the procession includes several key locations: Jamalpur, Chakla, Vaishya Sabha, Gollimda, Astodia Chakla, Madangopal ni Haveli, Raipur Chakla, Khadia Juni Gate, Khadia crossroads, Panchkuva, Kalupur circle, Kalupur bridge, and finally Saraspur.