On Saturday 19 June 2004 , despite heavy rains throughout the day, thousands of people lined the Rath Yatra route for darshan.
The sadhus and devotees of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha prepared a beautifully decorated chariot measuring 25 feet in length, 35 feet in height and 17 feet in width. The murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Jagannathji, Subhadraji and Balramji were housed in the chariot. On both sides at the front 40-feet long ropes were attached, by which the chariot was pulled through the procession route.
At 2.30 p.m. Vedic verses were sung and arti of the murtis was performed. Then, as per the traditional custom, the chief guests swept the path in front of the chariot using hand brooms at the start of the procession.
As the procession proceeded, devotees took turns to pull the chariot and offer their devotion. Many onlookers also joined in to pull the chariot.
Leading the procession were the children and youths of Pramukh Dhvani Band.
Following the band were young children in traditional customs performing traditional dances.
All these youngsters and devotees braved the weather and joyfully participated in the procession which ended at 7.00 p.m.
The final arti was performed outside the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bhavanipore, and after mahaprasad the devotees departed.