Ram Navami Mahotsav begins at Mahavir temple with ‘kalash’ installation and prayers

Patna: The nine-day Ram Navami Mahotsav began at the Mahavir temple near Patna Junction on Thursday with the Navah Parayan of the Ramcharitmanas, marked by the installation of a ‘kalash’ and worship of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman.

Justice Sanjay Kumar served as the ‘yajaman’ of the opening rituals, while the ceremonial Ram Rath was flagged off from the temple premises in the presence of senior BJP leaders, temple officials and a large gathering of devotees. The rituals were conducted under the guidance of senior priest Jatesh Jha.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi, organising committee chairman Sardar Jagjeevan Singh Bablu, Mahavir Mandir’s Sayan Kunal, along with several key committee members, performed aarti of the chariot, offered flowers and paid obeisance. A large crowd was present during the ceremony.

After the puja, Justice Kumar ceremonially selected the reciters by offering them clothes and books. The 11-member group includes Shivchandra Chaudhary, Mohan Chaudhary, Gopal Mishra, Anil Singh, Vipin Thakur and Srodhan Chaudhary, who was chosen as the Vyas (chief reciter).

The group has been performing the Navah recitation on this occasion for around 25 years. The recitation will take place daily from 8 am to 2 pm, concluding on Ram Navami.

Local devotees are also participating in the recitation as per their convenience, with seating and other facilities arranged by the Mahavir Mandir. A Shobha Yatra featuring 51 tableaux will be taken out on March 27.