City gears up to celebrate Ram Navami with pooja and bhajans

A PRIEST FROM WADALA SAID MANY FOLLOWERS BRING MINIATURES OF LORD RAM AND BATHE AND CLEAN THEM AS A SYMBOLIC WELCOME TO THE MOTHER EARTH

Ram temples in the city are preparing for Ram Navami celebrations on Wednesday. The spring festival, which is celebrated on the concluding day of Navratri, marks the birthday of Lord Ram.

Devotees in the city perform poojas, bhajans and kirtans, fast and read passages on the deity’s life from holy books.

In Wadala, the faithful will hold elaborate rituals and poojas for the occasion. “We perform an early morning pooja before sunrise. The temple will open to public for longer hours so that no devotee leaves without darshan (sighting of Lord Ram’s idol),” said Kanbihari Agarwal of the Wadala temple.

He added that many followers bring miniatures of Lord Ram and, according to rituals, bathe and clean them as a symbolic welcome to the mother Earth.

While many opt to pray within their homes, there will be places across the city that will stage Ramleela performances at night.

“Ramayana is all about Ram and his greatness as a human being. While Ram takes the centre stage, the festival also reveres his wife, Sita, brother Lakshman and ardent devotee Hanuman,” said Udyesh Shukla, president of Ramkripa Ramleela Mandal that performed in Borivli on Tuesday.

The festival also witnesses Ram Katha recitals. Charity functions and community meals are also organised. It is also an occasion for moral reflection for many Hindus.