Katra Ramdal procession attracts large crowd

ALLAHABAD: The Ramdal procession of Katra Ramleela Committee was taken out with grandeur from Ram Vatika late on Tuesday night. Tastefully decorated tableaux procession highlighting the episodes of Ramayan were the highlight of the night-long fair that attracted large crowd.
The procession began with offering of prayers by district officials and political leaders at Ram Vatika.
The committee members offered prayers to children dressed up as Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita and performed aarti amid vedic chants. The procession was led by Lord Ram and Laxman seated on silver throne atop elephant. Dozens of musical bands, giant flags, horses and camel accompanied the Ramdal.
The attractive tableaux were also awarded by puja committees en-route. The tableaux which attracted public attention and also won prizes included 'Ram-Sita', 'Sita Vanwas', 'Ram Van gaman' 'Ravan Vadh' among others.
Around two dozen tableaux were included in the procession that entered the mela area where devotees performed aarti. The procession was accompanied by musical bands and the residents showered flower petals on religious tableaux.
Heavy security arrangements were also put in place to ensure smooth movement of visitors and tableaux during the night long fair. Traffic restrictions were also put in place to avoid public inconvenience.