Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 19: An impressive Shoba Yatra was taken out on the occasion of Ramnavmi here today from historic Raghunath temple which after passing through various markets of the city culminated in the Mandir complex late in the evening.
Organized by Dharmarth Trust J&K in collaboration with other organisations including Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Dharmik Yuvak Mandal, the Shoba Yatra was led by Lord Rama’s traditionally decorated chariot from Raghunath Bazar. A large number of devotees in traditional Dogra dress participated in it.
The chariot of Lord Rama was escorted by the horse riders. It was followed by scores of jhankis depicting different aspects of Lord Rama’s life including his 14 year period in exile along with Laxman and Sita, various aspects of Lord Hanuman’s life and his Brigade of Wannar Sena (Army of monkeys) on tractor trolleys.
Thousands of people enroute greeted the Shoba yatra and showered flowers on it from roof tops. The devotees participating in Shoba yatra besides reciting bhajan and Kirtan were dancing to the beating of drums.
Even some participants were displaying feats and also bursting crackers in the air.
Besides, the traditional chariot of Lord Rama from Raghunath Mandir, another chariot carrying Sawari of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita form ancient Purnai Mandi temple also joined the Shoba yatra. It was followed by over 50 motor cycle riders decorated in traditional Dogra dress.
In addition to it the Jhankis from various religious organizations and temples were also a part of the Shoba yatra which included ISKCON, Dharmkik Yuvak Mandal, Raj Yog Centre, Brahamkumaris, Rehari etc.
The greatest feature of this year’s Shoba yatra was the participation of various Jhankis from Chandi Mata Machail.
Prior to start of Shoba yatra pooja archana was performed in a traditional way in historical Raghunath Mandir by the Dharmarth Trust office bearers including Ajat Shatru Singh and its president and other religious scholars.
A large number of people greeted the Shoba yatra enroute. The people had gathered on both sides of the route where from the Shoba yatra passed. It passed via Residency road, Shaheedi Chowk, Khatinka Talab, Kanak Mandi, Purani Mandi, Link road, Jain Bazar, Old Secretariat, Panjtirthi, Pacca Danga, Palace road, Raghunath bazaar before culminating at Raghunath temple.
People had decorated all the bazaars by erecting welcome gates and banners. Various associations of markets, social organizations and philanthropists had also installed stalls to serve soft drinks, ice cream, sweets and prashad to people participating in Shoba yatra.
To avert any untoward incident a big contingent of police was also accompanying the Shoba yatra.
Reports coming from other parts of Jammu region said that Ramnavmi was celebrated with traditional religious fervour and gaiety in Poonch town today. All the bazaars and temples in Poonch city were fully decorated befitting the occasion.
A grand religious procession was taken out in the city in which a large number of devotees along with scores of Jhankis depicting different aspects of Lord Rama’s life was taken out. The Shoba yatra started from Poonch Geeta Bhawan and after passing through various bazars it culminated at Geeta Bhawan also.
The devotees with scores of Jhankis from border areas of Poonch including Jhalas, Mangnar and other villages participated in the Shoba yatra. There was so enthusiasm among the devotees that despite being drenched in heavy rains that lashed the Poonch and surrounding areas today they continued to be part of the Shoba yatra.
An impressive Shoba Yatra was also taken out in Kathua town today. The yatra which started at Ram Lila Maidan Kathua after passing through various markets and 12 km Ring Road later culminated at Ram Lila Mandir. The elaborate arrangements were made by the authorities for the Shoba yatra.
On the occasion of Ramnavmi a Maha Yagya was performed at Samba and the devotees were served the prashad.
Ramnavmi was also celebrated in Shree Sharika Mandir Pasri Bhadarwah with religious fervour and gaiety under the banner of KP Sabha Bhadarwah. A large number of people participated in the function.
On the occasion of Ramnavmi the Brij Nagar Market Association organized a bhandara at main road today.
A large number of people participated in the function and took the prasahd. Bhandara on the occasion of Ramnavmi was also organized at ancient Kaal Bharav Mandir Jammu by the Mandir Committee, Bharav Bazar Chowk Chabutra.
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