A historic and unprecedented collective Jain Rath Yatra was organized in Mumbai on Sunday under the leadership of Shri Mumbai Jain Sangh Sangathan. More than 25,000 devotees participated, creating history. This Rath Yatra was not just a religious ritual but also a vibrant example of faith promotion, social unity, and technological innovation.
The Yatra was flagged off by Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha in the divine presence of revered Jain saints – Param Pujya Gachchhadhipati Rajshekharsurishwarji, Param Pujya Gachchhadhipati Nityasensurishwarji, Ratnakarsurishwarji, Acharya Chandranansagarji, Acharya Kirtiratnasurishwarji, and Hiteshchandrasurishwarji. On this occasion, Minister Lodha said, “Every locality in Mumbai should have a pigeon-feeding center (Kabutarkhana) – it is a living symbol of non-violence.” He also took a pledge that until every ward has one, the Jain community will renounce certain things in solidarity.
Shri Mumbai Jain Sangh Sangathan office bearer Kamlesh Shah said, “This Rath Yatra is not just tradition, but a spiritual movement, a purposeful parade, and a living image of unity.” Speaking about the Kabutarkhana issue, he added, “It is injustice to mute creatures. We demand that every area must have one.” Another office bearer, Nitin Bora, highlighted that more than 200 Jain Sanghs of Mumbai, 400+ revered monks and nuns, and around 25,000 people came together to showcase an extraordinary confluence of faith, unity, and service. Girish Shah praised the Yatra, calling its essence “a pledge of devotion, dedication to service, and the voice of faith.”
Fifteen tableaux created by Mukesh Jain’s company Multi Graphics deeply impressed the public.
The first tableau “Strength in Unity” depicted flags of various Jain Sanghs waving together – symbolizing unity, dedication, and collective power.
The second tableau “Organized India – Religious Nation” presented the map of India, showing the wide presence and influence of Jain culture.
The third tableau “Youth for Dharma” portrayed modern youth chanting the Navkar Mantra while holding digital devices – reflecting the idea of Tech + Faith.
The fourth tableau “Finance + Freedom = Dharma + Enterprise” illustrated how today’s youth can harmonize economic independence and transparency with religion and business.
Other tableaux such as “Social Reform,” “Safety of Monks & Nuns,” “Digital Dharma,” “Financial Transparency,” “Women Leadership,” and “Spirituality – The Solution to Every Crisis” highlighted different social and spiritual aspects of the community.
The LED-based tableau “Jain Sangh Vision 2040” showcased futuristic plans – digital religious promotion, Jain education, and youth leadership in a highly modern style.
The final tableau “Unity of the Sangh – Grandeur of Jain Shasan” featured youth, women, seniors, and volunteers together holding flags, lamps, and flowers – symbolizing “One Together, One Faith, One India.” This tableau marked the grand conclusion of the Rath Yatra.
The event’s success was credited to the tireless efforts of Virendra Shah, Ghevarchand Bohra, Bhawarlal Kothari, Nitin Vora, Mukesh Jain, Rakesh Shah, Ashish Shah, Miteshbhai, Kalpeshbhai, Jayeshbhai, Girishbhai, and a strong youth team.
Along with religious devotion, cultural performances, music, folk art, and traditional attire kept the atmosphere vibrant. Devotees pulled the Rath ropes to earn spiritual merit, while discourses by the saints inspired people toward faith, discipline, and compassion.
The Rath Yatra concluded with the powerful message that religion is not limited to worship alone but is also a medium for nation-building, youth inspiration, and creating balance in modern life.
