News/ Pics: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Apr 6: The 61st annual Sri Ramanavami was celebrated with grandeur and devotion at the Sri Rama Mandir in Wadala, located at the Dwarakanath Bhavan of the prestigious Gokarna Parthagali Jivottama Math, Ayodhyanagar, Maharashtra.
The event, held on Sunday, saw the temple grounds brimming with devotees as the traditional rituals were performed in a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
The day commenced with the chanting of the Ramanaam Sankirtana, with devotees preparing for the celebrations in the usual manner.
The celebrations began with devotional prayers and rituals, honouring Lord Rama as the Maryada Purushottama (the ideal man), followed by a series of events including the Ratharohan (chariot procession), Ratha Vastu Havana (fire ritual for the chariot), Ratha Shobhayatra (chariot procession), Maha Mangal Aarti, night pooja, and other sacred rites.
The women’s group organised a special ceremony for the naming of Lord Rama’s Utsav (festival) idol, performing the traditional Naamkarana Utsava (naming ceremony) with great reverence. This was followed by the Brahmarath Shobhayatra, a grand procession of the Brahma chariot, in the afternoon.
The annual festival was concluded with the night-time pooja and aradhana (worship) in the temple.
Scholars and purohits performed various sacred rituals, while the temple priests conducted a range of pujas and distributed holy water and prasada (blessed offerings) to the gathered devotees, imparting blessings upon all present.
The event was attended by key members of the Sri Gokarna Parthagali Jivottama Math, including Mukund V Kamath, president of the Wadala Committee, Ananth P Pai, vice president, Madhukar Pai, secretary, Praveen Kamath, treasurer, and Ullas Kamath, among others. They contributed significantly to the successful execution of the Ramanavami celebrations.
The event also featured a musical concert by Aruna Nayak and her team, and a vibrant dance performance by Likhita Pai, further enriching the cultural and devotional spirit of the celebration. The community came together in joy and devotion, marking another year of tradition and unity.