Bhopal: Ram Navami was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Bhopal on Wednesday. Hundreds of devotees thronged several Ram temples in the city since early morning to pay their obeisance to Lord Ram. Streets wore a festive look with the locals performing ‘Bhandra’ and ‘Kanya Pujan’ at several places in the city.
Several temples also reverberated with the chants of ‘Jai Ram’ throughout the day. Devotees also performed hawans and other rituals to celebrate the festival.
Special rituals were performed, including the recitation of sacred verses from the Ramayana, the epic saga of Lord Rama’s life.
Long queues of devotees, amid chats of ‘Jai Ram’, were seen outside the temples, especially at the Hanuman Mandir in 1100 Quarters. The deities were decorated with silk clothes and the ‘abhishek’ was performed with curd, gangajal and milk followed by ‘Sunder Kand’ and ‘maha-aarti’. People had started coming into the temple from ‘brahma muhurta’ early in the morning.
Flowers were offered by devotees who lined up at the temple. They were later offered prasad in the form of blessings.
“I visit the temple every year on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami to seek blessings of Lord Ram. I have also brought my children so that they know the importance of the day,” said a devotee.
Religious processions taken out
Religious processions carrying a statue of Lord Ram were also taken out with hundreds carrying saffron flags and DJ sets blaring songs. The processions traversed through the city streets, with participants adorned in traditional attire and carrying ornate chariots depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The procession, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the melodious tunes of bhajans, attracted a large number of spectators who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the colorful spectacle.
The fervent devotion of the devotees was palpable as they enthusiastically participated in the procession, chanting hymns in praise of Lord Rama and reenacting key episodes from his life. The atmosphere resonated with joy and spirituality, as people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
Moreover, various cultural programs and events were organized throughout the day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bhopal. From traditional folk dances to musical performances dedicated to Lord Rama, the celebrations offered something for everyone to revel in.
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Surya Tilak ceremony ignites devotion among residents
In a fervent display of faith and devotion, residents of Bhopal were deeply immersed in the sacred ambiance as the Surya Tilak ceremony unfolded in Ayodhya. The spiritual event, marking the coronation of Lord Ram with the ceremonial tilak, resonated with devotees across the nation, including those in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
People gathered in temples and community spaces to witness and celebrate the historic occasion. From the crack of dawn, anticipation filled the air as families, young and old, prepared for the auspicious moment when the symbolic tilak was applied to Lord Ram’s forehead in Ayodhya.
In temples across Bhopal, priests conducted special prayers and rituals, invoking blessings upon the city and its residents. The Surya Tilak ceremony served as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds under the umbrella of devotion and reverence for Lord Ram.
“I feel blessed to witness this sacred event, even from afar. The spirit of devotion knows no boundaries, and today, as Surya Tilaak is performed in Ayodhya, our hearts are filled with joy and reverence,” remarked Ananya Sharma, a resident of Bhopal.
“We are reminded of the timeless teachings of Lord Ram, which emphasize the importance of upholding truth and justice. His coronation serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for humanity,” expressed Rajesh Tiwari, another resident.
As the Surya Tilak ceremony concluded in Ayodhya amidst grandeur and devotion, its resonance was felt across the length and breadth of the nation, including the streets and homes of Bhopal. Through prayers, rituals, and heartfelt celebrations, the people of Bhopal joined millions in honoring the divine legacy of Lord Ram.
