Hyderabad: Hyderabad was a flurry of activity since Thursday morning, on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami, as worshippers of Lord Rama thronged temples across the city and later took part in public processions and bike rallies.
Temples were decked with flowers and tents were set up for devotees, who visited in large numbers to witness the ‘Sita Rama Kalyanam’, an auspicious event that recreates the wedding ceremony of the Hindu God and his consort. Temples in Jubilee Hills, Amberpet and Charminar saw especially large footfalls.
After offering their prayers and taking part in the morning festivities, devotees took part in the Shobha Yatra. Youths, waving saffron flags, took out rallies chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’, while children also tied flags to their bicycles and imitated their elders.
Free food camps were also organised on the day at temples across the twin cities.
At the heritage Sitarambagh Temple in Mangalhat — considered the main stage for Sri Rama Navami festivities — the ‘Sita Rama Kalyanam’ started at 9.30 am and went on till noon, after which ‘prasadam (food offered to and blessed by the deities)’ was distributed.
The Shobha Yatra started at 2 pm, passing through Droupadi Garden, Sitarambagh, Boiguda, Mangalhat, Puranapul Gandhi statue, Jumerath Bazaar, Shankar Sher Hotel, Gowliguda, Putli Bowli, Koti, Badi Chowdi and ending with a meeting at Hanuman Vyayamshala.
Among the attractions of the procession were mascots of Ram Darbar and Ayodhya Temple, with large idols of Hanuman, Rama, Sita and Lakshman adding to the festive fervour. Many folk artistes also dressed up as characters from Ramayana and put up enactments during the procession.
The procession also comprised two chariots for the chief guests, Shri Kashi Sumeru Peethadishwar Yathi Samrat Jagath Guru Shankara Charya Swamy Narendra Nad Saraswathi Ji Maharaj and Shri Sant Bomaram Ji Maharaj, who delivered the speech at Begum Bazaar and Hanuman Vyayamshala.
Stages were sset up for the speeches at the locations and participants were offered juices and snacks.
