Rama Navami Shobha Yatra draws massive crowds in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD

Saffron flags fluttered above packed streets, marigold garlands draped temple facades, and the sound of bells and devotional chants filled the air as the annual Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra began on a grand note on Friday, drawing thousands of devotees to a vibrant procession.

Temples across the city were illuminated and decorated with flowers and lights, with long queues of devotees seen offering prayers from early morning. In several neighbourhoods, community feasts were organised, with volunteers distributing food and sweets to residents and visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The main shoba yatra was formally inaugurated at Seetarambagh by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who attended as chief guest. The procession, which began earlier from the Akashpuri Hanuman Temple at Dhoolpet, gathered momentum as it moved through Seetarambagh, with crowds swelling steadily along the route.

At the helm of the procession were local leaders, including former BJP leader and Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh, along with several religious organisations. Devotees were seen chanting hymns, performing traditional dances and accompanying decorated tableaux depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

By Friday afternoon, the yatra reached Bhoiguda Kaman in Goshamahal and was proceeding through Mangalhat, Puranapul, Begum Bazaar, Afzalgunj, MJ Market and Putlibowli, before culminating at Hanuman Vyayamshala at Sultan Bazaar later in the night.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar inspected the security arrangements at Seetarambagh and surrounding areas. He said that around 3,000 personnel have been deployed along the route, with continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones. SHE Teams and Crime Teams were deployed to prevent harassment of women, while rooftop surveillance teams equipped with communication sets and high-powered binoculars were stationed along the route to keep watch on crowd movement.

Earlier in the day, the Governor and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan offered special prayers at the Sri Sitarama Chandra Swamy Temple.

Meanwhile, at Bhadrachalam Temple, the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita was held with traditional rituals and Vedic chanting, drawing a large number of devotees.

DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy reached Bhadrachalam on Thursday evening to review security arrangements. Around 2,000 police personnel were deployed under the supervision of district Superintendent of Police Rohit Raj to ensure the event passed without incident, with measures in place to regulate the movement of devotees and facilitate orderly darshan.