Lucknow: On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the capital city of Lucknow witnessed a magnificent and spiritually charged procession of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ramchandra Ji. Emulating the tradition of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, hundreds of Ram devotees — including men, women, children, and the elderly — pulled the beautifully decorated chariot of Lord Ram with their own hands, creating a deeply devotional and festive atmosphere in the city.
The grand Shobha Yatra was organized by the Shri Ram Janmotsav Samiti, Indira Nagar, and began from A-Block near the Convention Centre in Indira Nagar. The elaborately adorned chariot carrying Lord Ram made its way through various city streets including Lekhraj Market, Ayodhya Road, Maruti Puram, Bhootnath Market, Shalimar Crossing, and Meena Market, eventually returning to its starting point.
Dressed as divine figures, young boys and girls performed live tableaux of various Hindu deities, mesmerizing onlookers. Adding to the grandeur, the procession also featured elephants, horses, and camels. A special highlight was the energetic dance performance by Jitendra Bajrangi, a devotee from Prayagraj, who donned the attire of Lord Hanuman and danced to Ram bhajans throughout the route — drawing applause and admiration from the crowds.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Rajya Sabha MP and former Deputy CM Dr. Dinesh Sharma, MLC Mukesh Sharma, Uttar Pradesh Adarsh Vyapar Mandal President Sanjay Gupta, and MLA O.P. Srivastava. They offered prayers, performed aarti, and actively participated in the yatra alongside thousands of devotees.
At various points along the route, local traders, members of the Adarsh Vyapar Mandal, and area residents welcomed the procession with floral showers, bhajans, and refreshments. A special community feast (bhandara) was also arranged for devotees.
Shri Ram Janmotsav Samiti’s Patron and UP Adarsh Vyapar Mandal’s State President Sanjay Gupta, along with Committee President and Mandal General Secretary Shashikant Sharma, and General Secretary Sanjeev Garg, coordinated the event and thanked all participants and supporters.
Senior committee members Kavindra Malhotra and Deepak Shrikhandey shared that the goal was to foster unity and spread the values of Lord Ram through this sacred tradition.
Adding to the cultural mosaic, the Nepali community participated by singing devotional songs and performing traditional dances, while members of the Sikh community also extended their support with kirtans and greetings for the occasion.
With devotional songs echoing in the air, drums beating in rhythm, and a sea of joyous faces swaying to the tunes of Ram Naam, the Ram Navami procession brought Lucknow together in a celebration of faith, tradition, and spiritual unity.
