Bhubaneswar: A vibrant mix of devotion, digital expression and street participation was witnessed across Odisha as the state celebrated Ram Navami on Friday, with young devotees blending tradition with technology.While temples across the twin cities saw the usual surge of devotees since early morning, it was the youth-led bike rallies, DJ processions and social media broadcasts that added a contemporary flavour to the celebrations.Groups of young men were seen carrying saffron flags on decorated motorcycles, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” while moving through the major city roads under police supervision.Similarly, social media platforms were flooded with Ram Navami wishes, devotional videos and live streams from temples and processions.“We wanted to celebrate Ram Navami in a way that connects with our generation while keeping the devotion intact,” said college student Sandeep Pradhan, who helped organise a bike rally in Cuttack.“Most of us are sharing Ram Navami moments through social media live streams so that our friends who couldn’t attend the processions could still be part of the celebrations,” added Pradhan.In Bhubaneswar, several youth groups coordinated through messaging apps, ensuring organised rallies and synchronised gatherings at major temples. Volunteers were also seen distributing water and ‘prasad’ among participants and passers-by.“For Gen Z, festivals are no longer confined to physical spaces. Social media platforms have become extensions of the celebration, allowing them to express devotion while staying connected with their peer networks,” Surendra Senapati, a college student, said.“The use of videos, live streaming and digital posters shows how younger generations are reshaping traditional festivals— blending spirituality with the fast-paced, visual language of the social media,” said Subodh Mohanty, a religious leader.Temple priests welcomed the involvement of the younger generation, stating that such participation ensures continuity of tradition. “The form of celebration may change with time, but the faith remains the same. It is encouraging to see youth actively taking part in Ram Navami rituals,” said Brahmanand Satapathy, a priest at a prominent city temple.Authorities, meanwhile, maintained strict vigilance over processions and digital activities alike. Police monitored rallies and sensitive locations, ensuring that celebrations remained peaceful and orderly.
