3 lakh devotees visit Ramgarhia locality, Ara, on Ram Navami

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Ara : Ram Navami was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Bhojpur district on March 25, 2018, amidst tight security arrangements made by the district administration. Scorching sun did not deter the spirit of devotees. Over three lakh people from different parts of Bhojpur district assembled in Ramgarhia locality of Ara Town from where Lord Ram is supposed to have passed through with his guru Vishwamitra and brother Laxman en-route Janakpur.

The entire town wore a festive look with saffron banners, flags and festoons. The devotees took out a massive procession under the leadership of Devraha Shivnath Das Jee Maharaj that passed through the main thoroughfares of the town and terminated at Ramana Maidan, Ara.  The devotees were chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ and ‘Har Har Bum Bum’.

Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Giriraj Singh,  Union Minister (Independent charge) for Power, New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh, and former Deputy Speaker, Bihar Legislative Assembly, Amrendra Pratap Singh, were also present in the procession. Punyavi Pukdisunsiri, Brand ambassador, Geunese Global from USA, also participated in the Ram Naaami Shobha Yatra.

At least 102 tableaux on different aspects of the life of Lord Ram were also taken out. The local thronged both flanks of the road to have a glimpse of the procession. People offered ‘arati’ and showered flowers on photographs of Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman and others deities. They had also set up stalls at different points and offered cold drinking water, sharbat to the devotees.

The Muslims too had set up stalls at Gopali Chowk, Badi Masjid, and Abarpur localities of town and offered sharbat to the devotees. Md Zafar said Bhojpur is known for communal harmony and the gesture will go a long way in further strengthening the secular fabric of the district. Processions were also taken out at Piro, Jagdishpur, Sahar and Bihia on the occasion.

The devotees thronged different temples especially Aranaya Devi since early morning to have a glimpse of Lord Ram and offered prayer. People particularly girls and women observed fast the whole day and sang ‘bhajans, ‘sohar’ and chaita.’ The main function was organized at Bari Mathia where six day Ram Janm Mahotasava has also been organized.

The district administration had made an elaborate security arrangement and deputed magistrates and police force at about 90 places and also videographed the event.