The city is fully decked up to celebrate Ram Navami on Thursday, with long stretches adorned with lighting series and saffron drapes along key shobhayatra routes, especially for processions from Poddareshwar Ram Temple and Shri Ram Temple, Ram Nagar.
The main Poddareshwar shobhayatra route — from Itwari through Badkas Chowk, Gandhi Gate, Cotton Market and Variety Square — has been transformed into a tunnel with continuous decorative lighting grids. At several squares, stages featuring replicas of the Ayodhya Ram Temple and idols of Lord Ram have been set up. Loudspeakers installed at regular intervals have been playing devotional songs since morning. Organisers said these points will also serve as halting spots for rituals and performances.
Preparations for prasad distribution are in place, with volunteers setting up counters along the main route as well as adjoining lanes to manage the expected crowd. Water points and basic amenities have also been arranged. Over 150 organisations from outside Nagpur have arrived to set up stalls and distribute prasad along the Poddareshwar route alone.
In Mahal, temples have been decorated with flowers, lights and traditional adornments. Many will host early morning aartis, followed by ‘dindis’ and ‘prabhat pheris’ passing through nearby areas. Residents were seen participating in late-night preparations and final checks.
In west Nagpur, key roads and squares have also been lined with lights and saffron coverings. Stages with Ram idols and themed decorations have been installed, with local groups organising their own procession segments and devotional programmes.
According to priests, the auspicious time for the main Ram Janm aarti will be between 12.25pm and 12.27pm, marking the believed time of Lord Ram’s birth, while the broader midday puja window will be from 11.13am to 1.41pm.
Police and traffic personnel have been deployed at major junctions, with barricades already in place. Traffic diversions are expected as the shobhayatra moves through the city. With elaborate decorations, devotional events and coordinated arrangements across central and western parts, the city is set to witness large participation throughout the day.
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