Indore celebrates Ram Navami with devotion, security measures

Indore: The city and nearby areas were draped in devotion and festive fervour as the city celebrated Ram Navami with grandeur and reverence on Sunday. From the early hours, chants of "Jai Shri Ram" echoed through temple lanes, and the fragrance of incense filled the air. Major Ram temples across the city were adorned with vibrant floral decorations and glowing lights, drawing large crowds of devotees who offered prayers and participated in traditional rituals.To ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the celebrations, the administration made extensive security arrangements. Around 2,000 police personnel were deployed throughout the city, with additional forces stationed in sensitive areas. Drone surveillance was used to monitor rooftops and crowd movement. Religious processions, community feasts, and public gatherings were conducted under close watch.A major spiritual highlight was seen in Pithampur's Azad Chowk New Colony, where a seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Katha commenced. The event began with a grand Kalash Yatra that started from the old Ram temple and passed through the nearby areas. Women dressed in traditional attire carried sacred pots on their heads, while men sang devotional songs. People welcomed the procession with floral showers. "This day brings unmatched peace and energy. Being part of the aarti with so many devotees feels like divine grace," said Meena Joshi, a devotee attending celebrations in Indore.Ujjain too witnessed vibrant celebrations. At Shri Mahakaleshwar temple, special rituals were held in the ancient Ram shrine. Devotees flocked to temples like Shri Ram Janardan, Budha Ram Mandir, and Ramandi Akhara, where prayers and aartis were performed at noon amidst the sacred sound of conch shells and bells.The celebration was made even more special with the rare Ravi Pushya Nakshatra coincidence, believed to bestow divine blessings. Devotees performed rituals with great devotion and received prasad, marking a spiritually enriching Ram Navami.