Ram Navami: How Ayodhya is celebrating Ram Lalla's first birthday since temple opening

Ram Navami celebrations: An estimated 25 lakh devotees are expected to throng Ayodhya in next three days.

Ayodhya, the devout city, gleams in the joyous festivities of Ram Navami, the first significant religious observance following the consecration of Ram Lalla in January. This momentous occasion unfolds at the temple constructed at the birthplace of Lord Ram after a wait of 500 years.

The highlight of the celebration will undoubtedly be the Surya Tilak ceremony, as sun rays delicately grace the forehead of Ram Lalla at precisely 12.16 pm. Additionally, a sumptuous array of 56 delectable foods, known as Chappan Bhog, will be presented to the deity on the concluding day of Chaitra Navratri, which falls on Wednesday.

Chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, said meticulous planning has been done ensuring that Ram Navami will be celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm.

Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla

In a remarkable addition to the celebrations, a Surya Tilak ceremony for Lord Ram will be conducted for five minutes starting precisely at 12:16 pm. Chairman of the Ram Mandir Nirman Samiti, Nripendra Mishra, said:  "On Ram Navami, the sun rays will gently grace Lord Ram Lalla's forehead for approximately 5 minutes at 12:16 pm, for which intricate technical arrangements have been made. Scientists are diligently working to showcase this celestial moment with utmost grandeur."

Explaining the system Mishra said, "Precision lenses and mirrors intricately harness natural sunlight, crafting the divine symbol during this auspicious occasion. The optical path, piping, and tip-tilt stages have been engineered without springs for longevity and hassle-free maintenance."

Meticulous planning for rituals

In anticipation of the influx of devotees, the management of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has extended darshan hours at the revered Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya. General Secretary Champat Rai announced that devotees can offer their prayers until 11 pm on Ram Navami.

The festivities commenced with Mangala Aarti at 3.30 am on April 16, coinciding with the Brahma Muhurta. Following this, rituals like Abhishek, Shringar, and Darshan were conducted seamlessly. Shringar Aarti was held at 5 am, with darshan and worship rituals continuing thereafter.

On Ram Navami, the temple premises will witness an abundance of offerings and prayers, culminating in the Bhog and Shayan Aarti at 11:00 pm, subject to prevailing circumstances.

In preparation for the large gathering, arrangements have been made for prasad distribution post the Shayan Aarti, conveniently located at the temple exit. Pilgrims are advised to securely deposit mobile phones, footwear, and other prohibited items before entering the temple premises.

Champat Rai further stated that passes for various services, including Sugam Darshan, VIP Darshan, Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, and Shayan Aarti, will not be issued until April 19 in light of the expected crowd.

25 lakh people expected

An estimated 25 lakh devotees are expected to throng Ayodhya in next three days to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle and seek 'darshan' of Ram Lalla. Comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to facilitate their pilgrimage, ensuring easy access through local conveyance and adequate parking facilities.

Ayodhya is set to receive a significant influx of travelers. Ninety flights are scheduled to land at the Maharishi Valmik International Airport, which has been meticulously designed with the theme of Ramayana. Commencing with the inaugural flight from Delhi, the airport now serves as a gateway for direct flights from 14 cities. With an average of 10 to 12 flights daily, the airport also welcomes passengers arriving for darshan via 1 or 2 chartered planes.

Airport Managing Director Vinod Kumar said that 50 flights and 40 chartered planes are slated to arrive in Ayodhya till April 19 in anticipation of Ram Navami. These flights connect Ayodhya with key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Patna, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

“To cater to the surge in passenger traffic, the airport boasts a VIP lounge, waiting area, 9 check-in counters, and 3 conveyor belts. Additionally, provisions have been made for the comfort and accessibility of passengers, with a dedicated ramp for the disabled and local conveyance facilities available within the terminal area,” Kumar said.