Rourkela: Preparations are on in full swing to celebrate Ram Navami in this city and adjoining areas grandly Wednesday, various people associated with the programmes informed Sunday. They added security measures have also been tightened keeping in mind that this is the election year. Administrative officials said 58 associations have filed applications to take out immersion processions.
The ‘Akhadas’ usually play a dominant role during Ram Navami celebrations. Most of them are busy giving the finishing touches to the various themes or concepts on which the processions will be based. However, most of them are not ready to share the concepts as each of the ‘Akhadas’ wants to stand out with their show. Subash Verma, of ‘Bajrangbali Akhada’, one of the oldest in this city said, “At this moment, we can’t disclose our theme. However, we will surprise the audience. All I can tell you is that we are now giving the finishing touches to our preparations.” The district administration has issued strict orders to all organisations participating in the celebrations to maintain peace and harmony. Decorations of roads and setting up of colourful lights have already been completed. The stretch between Bisra Chowk till Udit Nagar, just a shade more than two kilometres, has been decorated in such a manner that it looks like an extension of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year. “Ram Navami is a very important occasion for us. Hence we have to celebrate it in the right manner and spirit,” said Gursharan Singh, a resident of this city.
Officials meanwhile informed that roads through which processions will pass Wednesday will be washed with cow dung and water. The demand for various varieties of sweets has also escalated. “I have stopped taking any more orders because of a shortage of hands,” said the owner of a shop in this city. Many clubs have also set up ‘welcome stalls’ for people participating in the processions. “We will distribute sweets and cold drinks to people joining the processions,” said Ramesh, a youth who resides near the old taxi stand here. Most of the shops and other business houses have decorated their establishments. “We offer puja both at home and at the shop to seek the blessings of Lord Ram,” said Binod Agarwal, owner of a very old electronic shop here.
Meanwhile, administrative officials held a meeting Saturday with the organisations that will take part in the immersion processions. They have been asked to carry out the immersions between 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Organisers have also been informed that all processions will terminate at Udit Nagar locality here.