A grand procession marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram will be taken out from Shri Poddareshwar Ram Temple at 4.30 pm on March 26, announced Puneet Poddar, Trustee, Shri Poddareshwar Ram Temple during a press conference held on Tuesday. Dayashankar Tiwari, BJP City President, was prominently present for the programme. Poddar, in his address, stated that a ceremonial worship and aarti of the idols of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita will be performed at 4 pm in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Mayor Neeta Thakre, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, former Governor Banwarilal Purohit, senior civic officials and police authorities. The procession will feature women carrying sacred kalash, along with cultural performances including folk, tribal, garba and traditional flag dances.

 

Devotional groups, including ISKCON Bhajan Mandal, will also participate. Dayashankar Tiwari, in his address, described the 60-year-old tradition as a vital part of city’s cultural heritage, celebrated with widespread public participation every year. A key highlight this year will be 60 decorative tableaux depicting mythological and social themes. These include scenes such as Mahakal Darshan, Krishna’s Holi in Braj, Narasimha Avatar, Ram Darbar, Hanuman-Ravana battle, and replicas of prominent religious sites like Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath and Rameshwar. Notably, a tableau from the Kinnar Akhada will be included for the first time.

 

The procession will commence with a thematic display on ‘Shaastra and Shastra Darshan’ by Shri Ram Sevak Mandal. Various organisations have arranged welcome arches, drinking water, refreshments and medical aid along the route. Live commentary and telecast of the event will also be organised. The procession will pass through Hansapuri, Itwari, Badkas Chowk, Tilak Putla, Cotton Market and Sitabuldi. Around 24,000 volunteers will be deployed to manage the event, with dedicated facilities for women and four ambulances stationed for emergencies.