Nagpur: The Second Capital of Maharashtra witnessed an extraordinary transformation as the fervour of Ram Navami celebrations swept through the Orange City, evoking echoes of Ayodhya. The city’s landscape was painted saffron as devotees from all walks of life congregated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram.
Various religious events were meticulously organized across Nagpur to honour the occasion, symbolizing unity in diversity and the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. However, the highlight of the day was the iconic Ram Navami Shobhayatra, a tradition deeply rooted in the city’s ethos. Initiated 57 years ago by the Shree Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, the Shobhayatra unfolded with unparalleled grandeur and devotion.
As the procession made its way through the city’s streets, adorned with vibrant decorations and resonating with chants of Jai Shree Ram, the atmosphere was electric. The palpable enthusiasm of the devotees added an ethereal touch to the proceedings, with Nagpurians flocking to the yatra route in large numbers to express their reverence for Lord Ram.
Prior to the commencement of the Shobhayatra, amidst a sea of devotees, the main priests conducted an elaborate aarti of the principal palanquin carrying the divine idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, and Sita. The Shobhayatra served not only as a religious procession but also as a symbol of communal harmony and spiritual solidarity. It united people from diverse backgrounds under the umbrella of faith, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures and traditions. As the echoes of the chants reverberated through the streets of Nagpur, the city basked in the aura of divinity, embodying the spirit of Ayodhya and reaffirming the timeless significance of Ram Navami in the hearts of millions.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Lok Sabha candidate of BJP from Nagpur; Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh; Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister; Vikas Thakre, MLA and Lok Sabha candidate of Congress from Nagpur; Krishna Khopde, MLA; Pravin Datke, MLC, and Dayashankar Tiwari, BJP City chief and former Mayor; Ashish Jaiswal; Vishal Muttemwar; Dinanath Padole; Atul Kotecha and other dignitaries also were present.
After the rituals, the shobhayatra commenced around 4 pm with the guests and other devotees pulling the palanquin. Depicting various events in the life of Lord Ram, over 50 floats by different organisations participated in the shobhayatra. Many organisations installed Shri Ram idols at different squares to welcome the shobhayatra. Many groups organised religious events including traditional folk dance, bhajan, dandia, garbha and kirtan on the rally route.
Another grand Ram Navami Shobhayatra was organised by Paschim Nagpur Nagrik Sangh. The shobhayatra was taken out from Ram Mandir in Ram Nagar. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, and Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister performed the puja of the main palanquin of Ram Lalla at Ram Nagar Ram Mandir. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport also performed puja of the palanquin.
A total of 31 floats were part of the shobhayatra which passed through various areas in West Nagpur. Similarly, a 300-year-old Ram Navami Shobhayatra of Bhonsale family was taken out in the city. The shobhayatra was welcomed by Sarang Cultural Foundation at Gandhi Putla, Central Avenue on Wednesday. Sarang Dhok, Founding President of Sarang Cultural Foundation and other members of the Foundation performed puja and paid obeisance to Lord Ram.
Another procession to mark Ram Navami was taken out from Shri Shiv Mandir, Bellishop Railway Colony, North Nagpur on Wednesday. The palanquin was decorated with flowers, lights, and balloons. Dr Nitin Raut, MLA, North Nagpur performed aarti of the palanquin before the start of the shobhayatra. On the rally route, devotees and citizens were distributed prasad.
