Rambhadracharya Maharaj recites Shri Ramkatha, city turns spiritual

Nagpur: A wave of spiritual fervour swept through Lakadganj on Wednesday as Padma Vibhushan awardee Tulsi Peethadhishwar Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj inaugurated the nine-day Shri Ramkatha.The sacred discourse commenced with a grand Shobhayatra that set the tone for what devotees described as a historic spiritual moment for Nagpur. Beginning at Geeta Bhavan, Hiwari Nagar in the morning, the procession saw Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj seated on a flower-adorned chariot. The route came alive with chants of "Jai Shri Ram" as Pratihari troupes, 108 women carrying Mangal Kalash, horses, band performances, moved through Wardhaman Nagar Chowk and Ambedkar Chowk before culminating at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Kachhi Visa) Maidan in Lakadganj, the venue of the Katha.Thousands of devotees lined up the streets and gathered at the venue to witness the darshan of the revered saint and to partake in the sacred narration of Shri Ramkatha. The atmosphere was steeped in devotion, with conch shells, bhajans, and collective prayers lending a deeply spiritual rhythm to the day.The first session of the Katha began with Ganesh Vandana, following which Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj talked about the spiritual depth and timeless relevance of the Shri Ramcharit Manas. His concise yet emotionally charged narration drew repeated applause, as devotees immersed themselves in the values of dharma, bhakti, and maryada embodied by Lord Ram.Organised by a prominent religious organisation with dedicated efforts by the Agarwal family, the Ramkatha is being held daily from December 24 to January 1 between 4pm and 7pm. The organisers termed the event a once-in-a-generation spiritual offering for the city. The concluding day, January 1, will feature the enactment of ‘Ravan Vadh' and Shri Ram's Rajyabhishek, followed by Mahaprasad from 7pm.Elaborate arrangements have been made for devotees' convenience. A sprawling pandal with three entry points — Ram Dwar, Lakshman Dwar, and Hanuman Dwar — has been set up, with parking facilities arranged at a nearby orphanage. Special e-rickshaw services are operating for senior citizens from Ambedkar Chowk Metro Station to the Katha venue.As Nagpur steps into the New Year, the Ramkatha has infused the city's religious and cultural life with renewed spiritual energy, devotion, and collective harmony.(With inputs by Jayana Kundel)