By Dr. Vishakha Srivastava
Ayodhya: The seven-day religious rituals marking the upcoming Nav Samvatsar celebrations commenced on Friday at the sacred Ram Temple, Ayodhya. The grand festival will culminate on March 19 with elaborate ceremonies and devotional events.
The main yajmans (chief patrons) of the rituals are Dr. Anil Mishra and his wife Usha Mishra. Dr. Mishra had also served as the chief yajman during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla and other important temple rituals. According to him, a series of Vedic ceremonies, including the worship of the sacred Shri Ram Yantra, are being conducted with traditional Vedic chants under the guidance of learned priests.
As part of the celebrations, saints and seers of Ayodhya will perform the traditional Ramkot Parikrama on March 18, a day before Nav Samvatsar, which coincides with Amavasya. The parikrama will include a devotional circuit of the Ram Temple and 108 prominent temples of Ayodhya, symbolizing collective faith and spiritual unity.
Preparations for the festival are in full swing across the holy city. During a meeting of saints held at Shri Ram Vallabha Kunj Temple, religious leaders finalized the program schedule and appealed to residents to hoist the Sanatan Dharma flag at their homes to strengthen cultural and spiritual unity.
Dr. Mishra also stated that the proposed visit of Droupadi Murmu on Nav Samvatsar will add grandeur to the celebrations. The President is expected to offer prayers at the Ram Temple, tour the complex for several hours, and participate in the installation of the Shri Ram Yantra and other religious ceremonies.
The tradition of saints performing the Ramkot Parikrama on this auspicious date began about 21 years ago and has continued uninterrupted since then. Before beginning the parikrama, devotees will gather at Gajendra Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
With a series of rituals, spiritual gatherings, and the participation of saints and devotees, Ayodhya is preparing for a vibrant Nav Samvatsar celebration that reflects the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
