Ram Navami celebrated with religious fervour across state

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 15

The festival of Ram Navami was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety here today. People in large numbers thronged various temples across the city since early morning to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The day, which marks the culmination of Chaitra Navratri, is also celebrated as the birth of Lord Rama.

Huge rush of devotees could be witnessed at the famous Raghunath temple and Kali Mata temple.

The Bikram Chowk was abuzz with people since early morning as devotees were seen waiting for the Matadors to visit the Kali Mata temple.

Long queues of devotees canting bhajans could be seen outside the temples, especially at the Raghunath temple and the Kali Mata temple. “I have come along with my family to pay obeisance to the Kali Mata. We visit the temple every year on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami to seek blessings of the Goddess. We also bring along our children so that they know the importance of the day,” said Rajesh, a devotee.

Meanwhile, a religious procession was taken out on the occasion in which thousands of people participated.

The procession, depicting various aspects of Lord Rama’s life, passed through different parts of the city before culminating at the Raghunath temple.

The Brahman Sabha, Poonch, also organised a function at the historic Annapurna temple, wherein hundreds of devotees participated.

Meanwhile, restrictions in the summer capital dampened the Ram Navami festivities. People mainly remained confined to their households and there was not much rush around the city temples.

The annual nightlong yajna at the Ram temple in the Barbar Shah area of the city could also not be held. “We could not hold the annual yajna at Shri Ram mandir this year,” said Chunni Lal, president, Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir.

Restrictions have been put in place in the city view of widespread protests across the Valley following the killing of four civilians in Kupwara district.