A profound wave of spiritual energy engulfed the Lakadganj area of Nagpur on Wednesday as the revered Padma Vibhushan awardee and Tulsi Peethadhishwar, Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj, formally inaugurated a nine-day Shri Ramkatha. This event has been heralded as a historic spiritual moment for the city, drawing thousands of devotees into its devotional fold.
Grand Shobhayatra Sets a Devotional Tone
The sacred proceedings began with a magnificent and colourful Shobhayatra (religious procession) that captivated the entire neighbourhood. Commencing from Geeta Bhavan in Hiwari Nagar in the morning, the procession featured Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj seated on a chariot beautifully decorated with flowers.
The route through Wardhaman Nagar Chowk and Ambedkar Chowk resonated with continuous chants of "Jai Shri Ram". The spectacle was amplified by traditional Pratihari troupes, a group of 108 women carrying Mangal Kalash (auspicious pots), horses, and lively band performances. The procession finally culminated at the main venue, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Kachhi Visa) Maidan in Lakadganj.
Thousands Immerse in Timeless Narratives
Thousands of devotees lined the streets and packed the venue to receive the darshan of the esteemed saint and to participate in the sacred narration. The atmosphere was thick with devotion, punctuated by the sounds of conch shells, devotional bhajans, and collective prayers.
The first session of the Katha started with Ganesh Vandana. Following this, Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj elucidated the spiritual depth and eternal relevance of the Shri Ramcharit Manas. His concise yet powerfully emotive narration received repeated applause from the audience, as they absorbed the values of dharma, bhakti, and maryada embodied by Lord Ram.
Event Details and Community Arrangements
Organised through the dedicated efforts of a prominent religious organisation and the Agarwal family, the Ramkatha is scheduled daily from December 24 to January 1, with sessions held between 4 pm and 7 pm. The organisers have described it as a once-in-a-generation spiritual offering for Nagpur.
The concluding day on January 1 will feature the dramatic enactment of ‘Ravan Vadh' and Shri Ram's Rajyabhishek, followed by Mahaprasad for all attendees from 7 pm onwards.
Elaborate arrangements ensure comfort for all devotees. A large pandal with three themed entry points—Ram Dwar, Lakshman Dwar, and Hanuman Dwar—has been erected. Parking facilities are available at a nearby orphanage, and special e-rickshaw services are running for senior citizens from the Ambedkar Chowk Metro Station directly to the venue.
As Nagpur prepares to step into the New Year, this grand Shri Ramkatha has infused the city's religious and cultural landscape with a renewed sense of spiritual energy, deep devotion, and collective harmony.
