Across the state of Odisha, thousands of people came together to celebrate Ram Navami—the birth of Lord Ram—with deep devotion, bright lights, and community spirit. From the capital city to small villages, the air was filled with chants, music, and faith.
Bhubaneswar: Chanting, Lamps, and Sacred Readings
In Bhubaneswar, the heart of the capital, pulsed with devotion. The Ram Mandir was the center of attention, drawing hundreds of worshippers. People chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and read aloud verses from the Ram Charit Manas, a holy scripture that tells the life story of Lord Ram.
As evening approached, the temple glowed beautifully with rows of lit lamps (diyas). The atmosphere was peaceful yet energizing, with people praying together and soaking in the spiritual vibes.
Odisha Wears a Festive Look
But Bhubaneswar wasn’t the only place celebrating. Across towns and villages in Odisha, makeshift pandals (decorated structures) popped up, filled with flowers, lights, and the sound of bhajans (devotional songs). Ram temples across the state were bustling with people offering prayers and participating in local events. Whether in cities or remote areas, the community came together in the name of faith and celebration.
Sambalpur: Early Morning Prayers and a Grand Procession
In Sambalpur, the day started early. Thousands of devotees visited temples and local pandals at dawn to offer their prayers. Later in the day, the Hanuman Samanwaya Samiti organized a grand procession, adding color, music, and tradition to the town’s streets.
Interestingly, the celebrations had already begun the previous evening. A traditional puja took place at the Hanuman Temple at Brooks Hill, followed by an early procession that set the stage for today’s main events.
Bhadrak: 88 Themed Displays and Midnight Offerings
Bhadrak took things up a notch with elaborate planning and large-scale festivities. Local authorities, including the Shri Ram Mahayagna Samiti and the district police, worked together to ensure everything went smoothly.
The town is hosting a massive Sankirtan procession (a devotional parade involving singing and dancing) starting at 3 PM. What makes it unique is the inclusion of 88 ‘Medhas’, which are decorative floats or displays representing different parts of the district. Each Medha is uniquely designed, showcasing themes related to Lord Ram’s life.
The vibrant procession begins at Nehru Stadium, winds through the town, and ends at Gandhi Padia. There, a special puja (ceremonial offering) is planned at midnight, capping off the day-long celebration.
Tight Security and Tech Support
With such huge crowds expected, especially in Bhadrak, security was tight and tech-enabled. Authorities deployed 27 platoons of police personnel throughout the town. CCTV cameras kept watch over major areas, and drone surveillance was used during the procession to monitor the crowd and ensure safety from a central control room.
The Bigger Picture
Ram Navami isn’t just a festival. In Odisha, it’s a community experience—a time for families, neighbors, and strangers to come together, share their faith, and take part in age-old traditions. It’s a reminder of the values Lord Ram stands for—truth, courage, humility, and duty—brought to life with lights, chants, and shared joy.
