Every year, Hindus across India come together to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Among the myriad celebrations across the country, Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, stands out for its unique and vibrant observance of this festival.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on Shukla Navami (the ninth day of the waxing moon period) of Chaitra month (March-April). The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated with great pomp in Ranchi.

As the vibrant festival of Ram Navami approaches, the city of Ranchi, nestled in the heart of Jharkhand, begins to buzz with anticipation and excitement. Ram Navami, celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Rama, holds significant cultural and religious importance across India, and in Ranchi, it is observed with great fervour and devotion.

Ranchi, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, comes alive during this auspicious occasion. The festivities usually span over several days, leading up to the main event on Ram Navami day itself. From colourful processions to elaborate temple decorations, the city is adorned with symbols of faith and devotion.

One of the most prominent features of Ram Navami celebrations in Ranchi is the elaborate Ratha Yatra, or chariot procession, which symbolizes Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The procession, adorned with floral decorations and vibrant colours, traverses through the city streets, accompanied by chants of hymns and devotional songs. Devotees throng the streets to catch a glimpse of the beautifully adorned idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, as they are carried atop the intricately decorated chariots.

Temples across Ranchi witness a surge in devotees during Ram Navami. The air is filled with the scent of incense sticks and flowers as devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Rama. Special pujas and bhajans are organized in temples, fostering a sense of community and spirituality among the devotees.

Another striking feature of Ram Navami in Ranchi is the sight of devotees thronging the streets, chanting bhajans, and wielding traditional weapons and lathis (sticks). The city, adorned in saffron, resonates with the echoes of devotion as thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to Lord Rama and Hanuman.

A standout feature of Ram Navami celebrations in Ranchi is the involvement of more than 300 akharas, each offering captivating performances that highlight the region’s rich cultural legacy. Whether it’s the art of sword fighting or the enactment of mock war-like dances, these displays mesmerize spectators, transporting them back to a time of bravery and valour from ages past.

Before Rama Navami, thousands of young devotees devoutly dedicated their time to training in akharas, traditional gyms where they hone their skills with various weapons. From gleaming steel swords to spears, khukris, knives, pharsas (axes), guptis (rapiers), and even the humble lathi (stick), participants choose their preferred weapon and diligently practice manoeuvres.

In the bustling city of Ranchi, Jharkhand, the arrival of Ram Navami heralds a spectacle of devotion, culture, and tradition unlike any other. At the heart of these vibrant celebrations lies the grand Ram Navami procession, a sacred journey that culminates at the revered Tapovan, where all akharas gather in a display of unity and reverence.

Accompanied by the thunderous rhythm of Nagaras and Tashaas, traditional drums that once signalled the approach of armies to battle, these practice sessions symbolize Lord Rama’s legendary mastery over divine and man-made weaponry. It’s a testament to his prowess, echoing through the ages from the Agnishaala of sage Agastya to the hearts of devout practitioners.

The Albert Ekka Chowk, a central hub of activity during the festival, is transformed into a spectacle of colours and religious fervour. Decked with saffron Hanuman flags and red & white Sarna flags, it becomes the epicentre of the celebrations, drawing crowds from all walks of life.

The festivities unfold with grandeur as hundreds of participants, organized into small and large groups, lead massive processions through the streets. Amidst the sea of people, marching troupes of devotees proudly carry towering saffron flags adorned with exquisite images of Lord Hanuman in flight, mounted atop tall bamboo poles. The air resonates with the melodies of drums, bugles, and nagaras, amplifying the collective ecstasy of the participants as they perform mock war-like dances to rhythmic beats.

It’s truly remarkable how groups of men and women, demonstrating martial arts prowess with swords and traditional weapons amidst bustling crowds, manage to avoid causing harm to onlookers.

Led by enthusiastic devotees and accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments, the procession sets off on its majestic course through the city. The streets come alive with a riot of colours, as men, women, and children clad in traditional attire join the march, their faces radiant with joy and devotion. The rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals reverberate through the air, creating an ambience of joyous celebration and spiritual ecstasy.

However, amidst the celebrations, it’s crucial to ensure the safety and security of all participants. With large processions taking to the streets, the authorities take necessary measures to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.

To ensure safety amidst the revelry, the police administration temporarily seals off certain roads. The city’s akharas commence their processions after 3 pm, continuing well into the night. These sacred processions traverse various parts of the city, culminating at the Tapovan Mandir in Niwaranpur, where devotees offer their respects before returning home.

To prevent any potential accidents, the city authorities take the precautionary step of disconnecting the power supply from 2 pm onwards. This decision is prompted by the presence of large flags carried by devotees, which could inadvertently pose a risk of contact with overhead electric wires. Such meticulous planning ensures that the festivities unfold smoothly and safely, allowing devotees to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual fervour of the occasion.

As the sun sets, marking the culmination of the procession, devotees proceed towards the hallowed grounds of Tapovan, their flags bearing the image of Lord Hanuman. Here, lies a sacred site where all akharas assemble to honour Lord Rama. With the onset of darkness and the emergence of twinkling stars above, the ambience fills with a palpable aura of divine presence and deep reverence.

The cityscape is illuminated by the warm glow of diyas and lanterns, the essence of Ram Navami permeates the air. It serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless virtues embodied by Lord Rama—righteousness, courage, and compassion. Amidst the celebrations, this spiritual resonance echoes through the hearts of devotees, enriching the experience and reinforcing the significance of this sacred festival.

Moreover, Ram Navami in Ranchi transcends religious boundaries, bringing people of all faiths together in a spirit of harmony and unity. The festival serves as a reminder of the universal principles of dharma and righteousness that Lord Rama represents, inspiring people to uphold these values in their lives.

Beyond the grandeur and spectacle lies a deeper significance. Ram Navami serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and devotion in our lives. It brings people together, transcends barriers of caste, creed, and religion, and instils a sense of unity and brotherhood among all.

In essence, Ram Navami in Ranchi is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of faith, unity, and the eternal triumph of good over evil. It’s a time to come together, rejoice in the glory of Lord Rama, and reaffirm our commitment to leading a life guided by the principles of dharma and devotion.

Ram Lakshman Janaki
Jai bolo Hanuman ki!