Ram Navami is a religious festival that marks the birth of Lord Rama. This year, Ram Navami (observed on the ninth day of the first month of the Hindu calendar) will be celebrated on 17 April 2024. Given that communal tension and clashes were reported in previous years, authorities are likely to maintain heightened security across the country, especially in sensitive areas like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
This year, it is also the first Ram Navami after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate large number of pilgrims. Since the General Elections will start from 19 April 2024 and with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in place, authorities are likely to maintain strict vigil against any untoward incident. Generally, the festival includes Shobha Yatras (processions), mass gatherings and mass prayers. Authorities tend to impose traffic restrictions and stringent security checks near popular celebration sites. It is therefore necessary for companies to be mindful of the regulatory changes and prepare suitable contingency measures.
Areas of Major Celebrations
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds unparalleled significance across India for Ram Navami celebrations. On this day, a grand chariot procession, also known as Shobha Yatra, is carried out with great fervor. Devotees take a holy dip in the Saryu River in the early morning and engage in worship. Pilgrims from far and wide visit Ayodhya to participate in these celebrations. This year, Ram Navami will be celebrated with grandeur in the Ram Temple.
- Hyderabad, Telangana: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) T Raja Singh has announced to stage the annual Ram Navami procession on 17 April 2024 (1000 hours onwards) from Akashpuri Hanuman Temple, Dhoolpet Bhagyanagar. The rally will traverse through Sitaram Bagh temple in Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Jummerat Bazar, Bartaan Bazaar, Begum Bazar Chatri, Siddiamber Bazar, Gowliguda, Koti, Sultan Bazaar and ends at the Hanuman Vyamshala. However, the rally might be a potential violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) imposed by the Election Commission for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In case authorities deny permitting the rally, it is possible that the rally will be suspended or result in local disruptions.
- Jalandhar, Punjab: A procession will be staged on 17 April 2024 through Shri Ram Chowk, Bhagwan Valmiki Chowk, Basti Adda, Patel Chowk, Mai Heera Gate, Tanda Chowk, Hoshiarpur Adda Chowk, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, Milap Chowk and conclude at Hind Samachar Ground. Heightened security and traffic diversions remain likely.
- Bharatpur, Rajasthan: A procession will be taken out from the Agricultural Produce Main Market and reach College Ground via Kumher Gate, Kotwali Bazaar, Laxman Mandir, Jama Masjid, Ganga Temple, Chauburja Bazaar, Mori Charbagh, Mathura Gate, Bijli Ghar Square. Ramleela will be staged at the Bihari ji temple premises everyday, until 17 April 2024, from 1800-2100 hours. A women’s bike rally will be organised too from Prem Garden to the traffic intersection via the main market.
- Purnia, Bihar: Saffron flag will be hoisted in shops and residential buildings to mark Ram Navami. A procession is likely to be staged on 18 April 2024.
Other Prominent Locations for Ram Navami Celebrations
- Shirdi, Maharashtra
- Sitamarhi, Bihar
- Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Vontimitta, Andhra Pradesh
- Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Arrangements in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- With the inauguration of Ram Mandir this year, Ayodhya is expected to witness an unprecedented influx of devotees this year. The Secretary of the Ayodhya Temple Trust has highlighted the extensive preparations underway to accommodate an estimated 30 lakh (three million) visitors on Ram Navami.
- Elaborate and stringent security measures and comprehensive traffic management plans likely to be implemented.
- The Indian Railways has announced the introduction of special trains to Ayodhya to accommodate larger number of pilgrims.
- Plans have been announced for barricading the temple premises, establishing a medical camp and temporary control room, and setting up helps counters to assist devotees during the festival. The security and management of the event will be enhanced through videography and CCTV surveillance. Additionally, facilities such as water ATMs, water tankers, etc will be made available.
Traffic Restrictions
- Movement of heavy goods vehicles, trucks, and tractors to and from Ayodhya district has been banned from 1400 hours on 15th April to 1200 hours on 19 April 2024.
- Vehicles from Gorakhpur will be diverted towards Purvanchal Expressway from Gorakhpur, Kaudiram, Barhalganj, Doharighat, Jianpur, Azamgarh.
- Vehicles coming from Gorakhpur, Sant Kabirnagar, Basti will be diverted to Purvanchal Expressway via Kalwari to Tanda, Akbarpur to Dostpur.
- Vehicles coming from Gorakhpur, Sant Kabirnagar, Bansi, Mehndawal, Dumariyaganj, Utraula, Balrampur, Gonda will return from Jarwal Road Tiraha and will be diverted towards Bahraich via Chahalri Ghat at Tikora turn towards Sidhauli, Sitapur Lucknow route.
- Vehicles coming from Kanpur will be diverted towards Gorakhpur via Purvanchal Expressway via Unnao, Maurawan, Mohanlalganj, Gosaiganj, Chandsarai.
- Vehicles coming from Agra Expressway in Lucknow will be diverted towards Gorakhpur via Mohan, Junabganj to Mohanlalganj, Goshaiganj to Purvanchal Expressway.
- Vehicles coming from Sitapur and Shahjahanpur will be diverted from Ahimamau to Purvanchal Expressway via IIM Road Dubagga via Alambagh, Nahariya, Shaheed Path.
- Vehicles going from Balrampur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti to Ayodhya via Lucknow will be diverted from Tikora turn via Chahalrighat road to Sidhauli, Sitapur, Lucknow route.
- Vehicles coming from Sultanpur will be diverted from Kurebhar and vehicles coming from Rae Bareli will be diverted from Haliyapur towards Purvanchal Expressway.
- Vehicles coming from Lucknow and Barabanki will be diverted from Barabanki via Chowkaghat, Jarwal Road Colonelganj.
- Vehicles coming from Azamgarh, Ambedkar Nagar will be diverted from Ambedkar Nagar to Purvanchal Expressway.
- Vehicles coming from Barabanki will be diverted towards Purvanchal Expressway via Bhitaria, Ramsanehighat, Haidergarh.
- Vehicles coming from Basti will be diverted from Lolpur towards Nawabganj Gonda.
- Vehicles coming from Gonda will be diverted towards Basti via Lakadamndi via Lolpur.
- Diversion will also be applicable on light vehicles till midnight on 16 and 17 April 2024. Vehicles coming from Basti (except vehicles coming for the fair) will be diverted from Lolpur towards Gonda.
Areas that Reported Disruptions in 2023
Recommendations
For Organisations:
- Given that the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections (19 April) will start two days after the Ram Navami celebrations (17 April), it is advised that companies run a comprehensive security review of all the facilities.
- Supply chain delays are anticipated, advised to accommodate the same while planning.
- In case of outbreak of communal tension, authorities may impose preventive and prohibitory measures like that of Section 144 and temporary Internet suspension, therefore it is advised to not schedule any important online or physical meetings in the week leading up to Ram Navami.
- If feasible, advised to undertake flexible working arrangements as scheduled processions and celebrations may cause widespread traffic disruptions especially during peak hours (1000-1600 hours).
For Individuals:
- Security and public sentiments are likely to remain high in April due to back-to-back high impact events like Eid, Ram Navami, and Elections. Therefore, it is advised to verify all information before communicating and rely on credible or official sources for authentic information.
- As security protocols are likely to remain high, advised to carry an identity proof when travelling and in case driving, ensure to carry updated documents.
- Heavy congestion is anticipated which also means long waiting time amid the prevailing heatwave conditions in India. Always ensure to carry heat protectants like sunglasses and caps. Carry water bottle and some light food to avoid exhaustion.
- Steer clear of protest sites and avoid making any sensitive comments that may trigger further disruptions.
- Authorities are likely to issue dynamic traffic advisories, advised to consider additional travel time.
- Ensure that cellular phones are adequate charged and have calling balance. Keep emergency contacts on speed-dial.
- As incidents of petty crimes like snatching or pick pocketing increase during mass celebrations and near crowded areas, advised to beware of your belongings and ensure to lock vehicles and park at designated areas.