Bhonsle Family’s Ram Navami Procession Marks 301 Years of Tradition Nagpur will witness the continuation of a centuries-old tradition as the historic Nagpurkar Bhonsla royal procession unfolds on March 26, coinciding with Ram Navami. The event, which dates back to 1725, is believed to have originated from a divine vision of Lord Ram experienced by Shrimant Raje Raghuji Maharaj Bhonsle (I). According to historical accounts, the ruler dreamt of idols of Lord Ram submerged in the Sur river and was guided to retrieve and install them at the Ramtek fort temple. This act is considered a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Bhonsla dynasty in the region, with Lord Ram revered as the family’s kuldaivat (family deity) ever since. The procession, held annually on Ram Navami, is the culmination of a nine-day festival that begins with Gudi Padwa. Central to the event is a traditional ‘palkhi’ (palanquin) carrying idols of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, borne by devotees through key areas of the old city. This year, the procession will start at 4 p.m. from the Senior Bhonsla Palace in Mahal, passing through Kotwali Chowk, Badkas Chowk, Chitar Oli, and Gandhi Putla before returning via the same route. To commemorate the 300-year milestone, a special welcome ceremony has been planned at Gandhi Putla on Central Avenue by the Sarang Cultural Foundation. The foundation, which has organized the event for 22 years, will conduct rituals and prayers as part of the program. Descendants of the Bhonsla royal family, including Shrimant Raje Raghujirao Bhonsale (V), Shrimant Raje Mudhoji Bhonsale (III), and Shrimant Jaising Raje Bhonsale, are expected to attend and be honored. The event will also feature a fireworks display and the distribution of prasad (sanctified food).#ram_navami_procession #bhonsle_family #nagpurkar_bhonsla #sarang_cultural_foundation #shrimant_raje_raghujirao_bhonsale
At 60, City’s Iconic Ram Navami Procession To Feature 94 Jhankis Nagpur will host one of its most grandiose Ram Navami processions as the Poddareshwar Ram Mandir celebrates its 60th anniversary with a sprawling Shobha Yatra. The event, spanning 3.5 kilometers, will feature 94 elaborate jhankis, each representing diverse religious and cultural themes, and will be supported by 24,000 volunteers. The procession, set to begin at 4 p.m. following the traditional Rath Pujan, will showcase a blend of symbolism and evolving social narratives, marking the city’s iconic celebration of the festival. The Shobha Yatra will follow its customary route, passing through Old Bhandara Road, Mahal and Gandhi Gate, Cotton Market, Variety Square, and CA Road before returning to the Ram Mandir. Among the key attractions will be tableaux depicting Brij ki Holi, Mahakal Darshan, Radha-Krishna Rasleela, Indonesia’s Bali traditions, and the Jagannath Rath. A special jhanki by the kinnar community will be positioned at the 61st spot in the procession, highlighting inclusivity and cultural diversity. The event will also feature 108 young girls carrying mangal kalash, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration. To manage the scale of the event, around 24,000 volunteers will be deployed along the route. The procession will be livestreamed on social media starting at 4 a.m., with the Ram Navami celebrations beginning with a Mangal Aarti at 4:30 a.m. and a Shrungar Aarti at 6 a.m. Cultural programs, including shehnai vadan and devotional kirtans, will set the tone for the day-long festivities. Union minister Nitin Gadkari, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event, underscoring its significance.#nitin_gadkari #devendra_fadnavis #neeta_thakre #ram_navami_procession #poddareshwar_ram_mandir
