Nagpur: West Nagpur’s Ram Nagar also came alive on Thursday as large crowds lined the streets for the Ram Navami Shobha Yatra, with strong local participation, vibrant tableaux, and devotional fervour shaping the procession through residential pockets.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari visited the Ram temple in Ram Nagar, where they offered prayers before flagging off the procession. Fadnavis, addressing the gathering, extended Ram Navami greetings and said Lord Ram, revered as Maryada Purushottam, continues to remain the ultimate ideal for society. “Lord Ram’s life set the foundation for righteous conduct, equality, and social harmony, and emphasised that the values associated with him remain relevant in guiding society even today,” he said. He noted that the twin Shobha Yatras in Nagpur — at Poddareswar Ram Temple and Ram Nagar — have evolved into enduring traditions, drawing participation from across communities. “It is heartening to see people from all sections come together in such large numbers. The entire city resonates with the spirit of Ram on this day,” he said.At noon, marking the believed birth time of Lord Ram, Ram Nagar Ram Temple witnessed a surge of devotees as a special celebration was held. An idol of ‘Bal Ram’ was placed in a decorated cradle, while priests performed rituals amid chants of mantras and shlokas. Flower petals were showered on the infant form of the deity as bhajans filled the temple, drawing devotees into the moment, many joining in with chants and prayers during the brief but intense celebration. The Ram Nagar procession featured around 55 tableaux, with local mandals presenting themed displays and devotional performances. Women riders on bikes emerged as a standout feature of the Ram Nagar Shobha Yatra, leading a segment in coordinated formation with saffron flags, framed by Lord Ram–Krishna-themed backdrops and temple replicas mounted at the front. The sequence set the tone for a series of visually rich tableaux, beginning with women participants in traditional attire, symbolising empowerment. The procession went on to feature martial arts demonstrations, children skating in traditional dress, and a moving installation of the Constitution of India. Digital screens and flash displays added a contemporary layer, presenting AI-generated depictions of Lord Ram. Larger-than-life statues of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Panchmukhi Hanuman, along with scenes from the Ramayana, added scale and depth to the yatra as it moved through west Nagpur.Apart from those on the streets, many residents watched from balconies and terraces, joining in chants as the procession moved through the area. Police deployment remained in place at key junctions to manage the crowd and maintain order during the celebrations.
