Ayodhya: The festival of Ram Navami is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in Lord Shri Ram’s city Ayodhya today. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Ram, and on this occasion Ayodhya has become Rama-filled. Ram temple has been decorated with flowers, more than 1.5 lakh lamps will be lit on the banks of Saryu, and Ramlala will be offered 56 types of dishes including 3 lakh laddus. Crowds of devotees have been gathering since morning, and the festival will be at its peak till late evening.
Religious event started in the morning
The doors of Ram temple were opened for devotees at 6 am. As the day is progressing, the number of devotees is continuously increasing. Religious rituals will start in the temple from 9:30 am on Sunday. Abhishek will go on till 10:30 am, after which Ramlala will be adorned and he will be dressed in new clothes. After this, Maha Aarti will be held at 11:30 am, in which Surya Tilak will be done on Ramlala with sun rays for 4 minutes. Acharya Vikram, the temple priest, said, “After Shringar Aarti, Yagya rituals are going on, in which one lakh offerings are being made. The recitation of Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas will also be completed.” Along with this, thousands of devotees are earning merit by bathing in the holy Saryu river. A devotee said, “Coming here, it feels as if Ramlala himself is among us. This experience is unforgettable.” Ayodhya will be decorated with one and a half lakh lamps To make Ram Janmotsav more grand, Deepotsav will be organized on the banks of Saryu late in the evening. Ayodhya will be bathed with light by lighting more than one and a half lakh lamps. Acharya Vikram said, “After bathing in Saryu water, the Lord will wear new clothes. He will be offered milk, curd, ghee, 3 lakh laddus, puri, kachori and 56 types of dishes.” This bhog is not only a symbol of faith, but has also been prepared for distribution among the devotees.

Tight security arrangements

In view of this huge event of Ram Navami, security arrangements have also been tightened. Inspector General of Police, Ayodhya Range, Praveen Kumar said, “For the convenience of devotees, routes of heavy vehicles have been diverted. The city has been divided into zones and sectors.” He also said, “Water police, NDRF and SDRF have been kept on alert in the Saryu river area, so that any situation can be dealt with.” These arrangements have been made for the safety and convenience of the devotees.

Enthusiasm in Ayodhya

The celebration of Ramotsav is not limited to the temple only. Enthusiasm is also at its peak among the monasteries and temples of Ayodhya and the local people. Devotional songs are resonating on the streets, and the joy of Ramlala’s birth is being celebrated in every home. A local resident, Ramesh Tiwari, said, “It is our good fortune that we are seeing Ram Navami in Ayodhya. This moment is of pride for us.” The crowd of devotees and the devotion visible on their faces is making this festival more special.

Analysis: Confluence of faith

This festival of Ram Navami is not just a religious event, but a confluence of faith and culture. This is the first Ram Navami after the construction of Ram temple, which has made this festival more grand. Religious historian Dr. Anil Mishra says, “This festival in Ayodhya reflects the unwavering faith of people towards Shri Ram. Events like Surya Tilak and Deepotsav make it a combination of modern and traditional.” This festival is not only religious, but also gives the message of social unity.

Echo of Ram-filled Ayodhya

On this occasion of Ram Navami, every street, every ghat and every temple of Ayodhya is immersed in Ram devotion. The light of one and a half lakh lamps and the offering of 3 lakh laddus is making this festival historic. Would you also like to be a part of this Ram-filled atmosphere? This question is in the mind of every person who is reading this news. Ayodhya today remains a center of faith not only for India but the whole world.