Ahmedabad: This year’s Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad highlighted a visible shift in one of the city’s oldest public traditions, with girls and young women taking prominent roles in akhada performances that have historically been dominated by men. Their increased participation reflects changing attitudes towards gender inclusion in community-led cultural events while demonstrating how public festivals can evolve alongside broader social transformation.
Several akhadas participating in the annual procession featured female performers displaying a range of traditional physical disciplines before thousands of spectators lining the route. Demonstrations included aerial yoga, women in akhadas, malkhamb—a traditional Indian sport combining gymnastics and yoga on a pole—and performances involving the chakkar, a demanding martial training apparatus requiring balance, strength and coordination. Cultural observers note that the expanding presence of women in akhadas represents more than symbolic participation. Akhadas have historically functioned as spaces for physical training, discipline and community identity, with women’s involvement remaining limited for decades. Their growing visibility during one of Gujarat’s largest religious processions suggests that longstanding social institutions are gradually becoming more accessible to wider sections of society. Urban sociologists believe inclusive representation in public festivals plays an important role in shaping perceptions of shared civic spaces. When girls participate alongside boys in traditional performances witnessed by large audiences, festivals become platforms that reflect changing urban identities rather than simply preserving historical customs in their original form.
Experts in heritage management argue that cultural continuity is strengthened when traditions adapt to contemporary social realities without losing their core character. Encouraging participation across genders helps ensure that traditional physical arts such as malkhamb and indigenous martial exercises continue attracting younger generations, supporting the long-term preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The development also aligns with wider efforts by many Indian cities to create safer and more inclusive public environments where women participate actively in cultural, recreational and sporting activities. Public events that showcase diverse participation can influence how citizens, particularly young people, perceive opportunities available within community institutions. Urban planners increasingly recognise that festivals contribute to the social infrastructure of cities by fostering belonging, encouraging community interaction and activating public spaces. Inclusive cultural programming can strengthen civic engagement while reinforcing the principle that public celebrations should remain accessible to participants regardless of gender or background.
While organisers continue to maintain the traditional character of the Rath Yatra, observers believe evolving participation patterns illustrate how heritage events can respond to changing social expectations without compromising their cultural significance. As more girls receive opportunities to train and perform in established akhadas, future editions of the procession may increasingly reflect the diversity of the communities they represent. The growing presence of women in traditional performance groups demonstrates that urban cultural heritage remains dynamic rather than static. For rapidly expanding cities such as Ahmedabad, balancing heritage preservation with broader social inclusion will remain essential to ensuring that public traditions continue to resonate across generations while strengthening the city’s shared civic identity.
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