City decked up for grand celebrations on Sunday

Nagpur: The devotional spirit in Nagpur was on a vibrant crescendo on Saturday as the city bathed in saffron hues ahead of Ram Navami, to be celebrated on Sunday, April 6.
From the busy lanes of East Nagpur to the buzzing neighbourhoods of West Nagpur, and from Central Nagpur to the Southern corners, temples are resplendently decorated with flowers, saffron flags, lights, and large cut-outs of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, setting the stage for a spiritually charged celebration across the city.
Temples have begun early preparations for Sunday's main event — the symbolic Ram Janm at 12 noon, believed to be the exact time of Lord Ram's birth. Bhajan and Kirtan groups performed through the night and into the next day, culminating in a grand aarti at noon, followed by massive shobhayatras in the evening.
Shobhayatras set to mesmerise today
The chariot, inspired by Rameshwaram Temple architecture, will carry the main idol in the Poddareshwar Ram Mandir Shobhayatra, a massive event that will begin at 4pm on Sunday and will include over 90 grand tableaux.
Trustee Punit Poddar informed that the rath and floats will depict iconic mythological moments, including the Ashwamedha Horse, Valmiki Ramayan, Kumbhakaran in slumber, the Shiv-Parvati wedding, Balaji Darshan, Mahakali, Tulsidas Ramayan, and much more. Cultural troupes like skating squads, dhol pathaks, tribal dancers, bhajan mandals and Ramayana actors will perform live en route.
The procession will start from Poddareshwar Mandir, pass through Hansapuri, Golibar Chowk, Itwari, Mahal, Cotton Market, Sitabuldi and return to the temple late night. Devotees along the route will be served prasad — from chanapohas and sherbat to sweets, fruits, and ice creams — by various community groups.
West Nagpur's Ram Nagar Shobhayatra to dazzle again
Meanwhile, in West Nagpur, the popular Ram Nagar Ram Navami Utsav Samiti's Shobhayatra will also be held with grandeur. Colorful floats, bhajan groups and enthusiastic participation from youth and senior citizens alike will mark this cultural and devotional extravaganza.
Adding to the celebratory mood in this area is the recent election of Sandip Joshi as MLC, a leader known for his active involvement in cultural and religious initiatives. The area is witnessing doubled enthusiasm this year, with preparations more elaborate and community participation at its peak.
Ram Navami's spiritual essence
Religious scholar Sumedh Pande Shastri explained, "Ram Navami is not just the celebration of Lord Ram's birth, but also a reminder of the triumph of dharma over adharma. When people walk with devotion in these shobhayatras, they are walking with the values Lord Ram stood for — truth, justice and compassion."
Echoing the energy from the cultural front, renowned percussionist Pranil Naik said, "This festival provides a golden opportunity for artists — from kirtankars to dhol players, sculptors to singers. The city is alive with rhythm, devotion, and creativity. We are all busy day and night in rehearsals and performances — it's overwhelming and beautiful."
By Sunday evening, as the saffron-clad processions wind their way through lit-up streets and devotional songs echo from every corner, Nagpur will be immersed in Ram Bhakti — a city united in joy, heritage, and faith.