Women-Led Ram Navami Processions in Ranchi & Dhanbad Showcase Devotion and Martial Skills

Ranchi/Dhanbad: Ranchi and Dhanbad is set to witness a vibrant show of women-led devotion this Ram Navami on Friday.

Organised by Maa Subhadra Group, the procession in Ranchi largely driven by homemakers along with participation from professionals such as doctors, has steadily expanded since its inception. What began with around 15 women has evolved into a major cultural event in the city’s festive calendar.

“This is the fourth year of the procession, and every year the participation has grown significantly. We will be starting the procession with 500 women, and in the end we are expecting around 6,000 to 8,000 participants,” said Prabhat Kumar, the organiser.




He said the initiative aims to create a dedicated space for women in traditional religious processions. “Women have always been part of celebrations, but this platform allows them to lead from the front. It reflects both cultural pride and changing social participation,” he added.

“Women in the group actively take part in talwarbazi and other traditional forms, which is a unique aspect of this procession,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, women in Dhanbad are also set to actively participate in the Ram Navami procession with their traditional weapons skills. Around 25 young women and girls have undergone rigorous training and will take part in the traditional arms display during the festival.

The training is being conducted by Shankar Akhada, located in Barmasia, which has been imparting martial training for the past four decades. Currently, 25 female participants are learning traditional combat techniques and will showcase their skills during the city’s Ram Navami celebrations.

The trained women will join the procession starting from the Bajrangbali Temple and proceed through the city, participating in competitions organized among various akhadas. The main event is scheduled to be held near Dhanbad Railway Station.