Family-led Ram Dola Yatra continues to anchor Dasehra celebrations in city

As the festive spirit of Dasehra sweeps through Ludhiana, the city’s soul finds its rhythm in Daresi, where tradition walks the streets—literally. The Ram Dola Yatra, a centuries-old ritual, is not just a procession but a living legacy carried on the shoulders of one family and witnessed by thousands.

For 11 days, the narrow lanes of the old city echo with chants and devotion as the palanquin of Lord Ram travels from the historic Thakur Dwara temple through the city’s bustling markets.

This sacred journey, organised by the Shri Ram Leela Dussehra Committee (registered) is led exclusively by Mahinder Singh’s family from Sunet. The fourth generation of Mahinder’s family walks through the route, with 11 members carrying the palanquin and the youngest learning to walk in their ancestors’ footsteps.

“We have been lifting this dola since forever,” says Parminder, Mahinder’s grandson. “It’s a divine responsibility. When my children walk with us—they will carry this forward.”

Parminder’s brother Jagroop and their families join in, making it a deeply personal and spiritual commitment.

Dinesh Marwaha, president of the committee, shares, “The Thakur Dwara temple is one of the oldest in Ludhiana, and this yatra began here generations ago. My family has served the temple for nearly 10 generations.”

Kamal Bassi, another committee member, adds, “This isn’t just a mela—it’s a heritage walk. The Ram Dola yatra is the heartbeat of Dasehra in Ludhiana. We ensure every detail honours the tradition.”

The yatra begins with Navratri and culminates in Bharat Milap, staged uniquely in Daresi a day after Ravana’s effigy is burnt.

City residents feel deeply connected to the tradition, not merely as spectators but as participants in a cultural legacy that defines Ludhiana’s spiritual heartbeat.

Renu Sharma, a local shopkeeper, reflects on her lifelong bond with the Ram Dola yatra: “I’ve watched this yatra since childhood,” she says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “It’s not just about religion—it’s about identity.” For her, the procession is more than a ritual; it’s a thread that weaves together generations, memories and a sense of belonging. Watching the palanquin pass each year is like flipping through the pages of a living family album—one that includes not just her own story, but that of the entire community.

College student Arjun Mehta echoes this sentiment from a younger perspective. “In a fast-paced world, this walk reminds us of our roots,” he says, acknowledging how the yatra offers a rare pause in an otherwise hurried life. For Arjun, who juggles academics and modern distractions, the procession is a grounding experience—a moment to reconnect with values, stories and traditions that often get lost in the rush.

It’s a reminder that heritage isn’t something archived in books or museums—it’s alive, walking beside us, carried on shoulders and celebrated in the streets.