It was 43.3 degree Celsius in the city but the soaring mercury failed to deter the spirit of devotees who celebrated Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, with utmost enthusiasm and gusto. The entire city was soaked in religious fervor with people wearing white and ‘bhagva’ taking part in procession being taken out from various areas, in particular from Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, CA Road and Pashchim Nagpur Nagrik Sangh.
Like every year a grand procession was taken out to mark the occasion. This year nearly 79 floats depicting various events in Lord Ram’s life added glitz to the annual Shri Ram Shobhyatra taken out from Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir on Central Avenue.
Prominent roads, markets reverberated with Jai Shri Ram chants as the grand procession passed through these areas. This was the 53rd year of this grand procession. The procession started after the main priest performed puja of Shri Ram, Janaki, Laxman and Hanuman. Many eminent dignitaries including governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit, Union Minister for surface transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Mayor Nanda Jichkar were also present on the occasion.
They paid obeisance to Lord Rama and also took part in the procession which took out from the Poddareshwar Ram Mandir amid much fanfare.
Attractive floats along with the special chariot of Lord Ram, spell a different charm on Nagpurians. Every float either depicted a character or a proper scene from the famous Indian epic Ramayan.
The temple too was beautifully illuminated with attractive lighting that caught hte eyes of each and every one. The procession was also accorded grand welcome at various points by the devotees, various social and political organisation. Volunteers too came out in good numbers to serve water and prasad to the devotees taking part in the procession.
People from all religions and castes took part in the Shobhayatra presenting a great example of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood. After commencing from Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir the procession covered many prominent areas like Old Bhandara Road, Ganjakhet Square, Mominpura Square, Shaheed Square, Agrasen Square, Kotwali Police Station, Tilak Putla, Gandhisagar Lake, Lohapul, Munje Square, Jhansi Rani Square, Variety Square, Manas Square, Ganesh Tekadi, Ramjhula and back to the temple.
The Pashchim Nagpur Nagrik Sangh also celebrated Navratra and Shriram Janmotsav with utmost zeal and devotion on Saturday. This was the 46th year of procession which started from Shri Ram temple, Ram Nagar.
The pujan of Shri Ram Palki with paduka was performed by governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit, CM Devendra Fadnavis, Union surface, transport and shipping minister Nitin Gadkari, guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, mayor Nanda Jichkar and others. The major attractions include various cultural performances by artistes from four states under the aegis of South-Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC). The artistes gave vibrant dance performances as the procession will progressed. Nearly 35 dazzling floats were the part of the procession. Women carried kalash and walk along with the procession. Procession was also accompanied by Lezim pathak, Dandiya dance, tribal dance, bhajan mandal, horse riders and students skatting.
