Ranchi: Preparations for Ram Navami are in full swing at Tapovan Temple, the central site where Mahavir flags from across Ranchi are brought during the festival. The temple campus is being readied to handle a massive influx of devotees, with footfall expected to run into lakhs, especially on Ashtami (Friday).Authorities are focusing on infrastructure upgrades and cleanliness to ensure smooth movement of devotees during the celebrations. Special attention is being given to key access points and the temple premises, where large gatherings are expected as over 200 akharas and lakhs of devotees arrive with their flags as part of traditional processions.Temple authorities said extensive arrangements are underway to manage the expected rush. “Repair work is being carried out on the approaching bridge over the Harmu river. Cleaning work is ongoing around the temple campus, and pits are being filled to avoid inconvenience,” said Sushil Dubey, president of Tapovan temple.He added that preparations are being intensified as devotees begin arriving early on Ashtami. “From as early as 3 am, devotees start reaching with their Mahaviri flags. The entire campus fills up quickly, and arrangements are being made accordingly. Lakhs of people visit the Tapovan campus during the festival,” Dubey said.Ahead of Ram Navami, the Shri Mahavir Mandal Ranchi Mahanagar on Sunday finalised key schedules for the celebrations, outlining major events across the city. The organisation said that tableau displays (jhanki pradarshan) will be held on Ashtami (Friday), followed by flag worship (jhanda puja) on Navami (Saturday), after which processions will move towards Tapovan Temple.Over 200 akharas were provided with saffron cloth, flags, gamchas and traditional weapons, including swords, to prepare for the processions. “All necessary arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth programme, and the mandal is extending full support to akharas and devotees,” said Munchun Rai, general secretary.
