Ramanavami was celebrated with utmost zeal and enthusiasm in Alok Vihar-1 this year. After being highly restrictive due to following the Covid 19 guidelines the past three years, this year was a nice relief wherein the residents celebrated the festival in all its glory. It started with an early morning puja setting pace to the festival and beginning the end of the Navratri.
Ramanavami, a date deemed auspicious as it marks the birth of the Lord Rama. Throughout the nine days, Ram alongside other deities and gods are worshipped ending it with a Sunderkand Path on the ninth day. In Alok Vihar-1 community Sunderkand Path was organized in the evening of 30 March. The day is marked by reciting from the Hindu epic Ramayana which narrates the tale of Rama. The festival observes the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma. The Ramanavami festival celebration starts with jalam (water) offering in the early morning to Surya (the sun god) to propitiate him. This is due to the belief that the descendants of Surya were the ancestors of Rama.
Due to thunder showers in the evenings during those days, the organized changed the usual venue which is in the open to the covered area of Block 1. The bhandara that followed the path was held in the Club house. Wet weather was no deterrent to the bhakti spirit. All were dressed in their traditional best.
by Sarahna Prasad (Alok Vihar 1; 8860647557)
