On the auspicious birth anniversary of Ramlala, the entire steel city of Durgapur took on a unique appearance amidst a religious fervour and aesthetic ambience of celebration. Like every year, this time too, centering around Ram Navami and the birth celebration of Ramlala, an unprecedented wave of excitement and festivity was witnessed everywhere, from the alleyways to the main streets of the city. Along with traditional solemnity, worship, and religious rituals, an unprecedented colourful bike rally and a colossal idol of Lord Hanuman being paraded through the city with the help of a crane added a completely different dimension to the day's celebration.
The focal point and main attraction of the massive religious procession on this day was a huge idol of Mahavir Hanuman carried atop a giant crane. To witness this incredible sight and seek blessings, an overflowing crowd of curious and devout people was seen on both sides of the streets of the steel city. Devotees from all walks of life offered their heartfelt respects to Pavanputra Hanuman with folded hands, blowing of conch shells, and showering of flowers. Not just Hanuman, but alongside Him, eye-catching idols of Lord Sri Ramachandra, Mother Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were carefully installed in several well-decorated and illuminated tableaux. As the entire procession traversed the main thoroughfares of the industrial city, the surroundings resounded with the chants of 'Jai Sri Ram' by the devotees, the sound of conch shells and bells, and the beating of drums, echoing through the skies.
Another major attraction of the festival was a massive, enthusiastic bike rally. Thousands of Ram devotees coming from the city and its surrounding areas voluntarily participated in this colourful rally, holding saffron flags in their hands and saffron headbands tied to their foreheads, riding bikes. From the younger generation to the elders—everyone showed boundless enthusiasm. This soaring joy and zeal of the followers seemingly draped the entire steel city in a strange and sacred saffron ambience. Several local religious, cultural, and social organizations jointly organized this colourful procession, setting a unique example of mutual harmony and devotion.
Keeping in mind the intense heat and sun during the long procession through the city and considering the convenience of the people on the streets, special arrangements were made by the organizers. Excellent arrangements were made for the distribution of drinking water, cold sherbet, and special prasad of Ram Navami at various points of the procession, which also created a fine example of human service. Meanwhile, to ensure that no untoward situation arose centering around this massive human tide and festival, and that the city's traffic system remained completely functional, robust and stringent security arrangements were also taken by the Durgapur subdivision police administration. All in all, with the endless enthusiasm of the devotees, strict discipline, and various colourful arrangements, the celebration of Ramlala's birthday in Durgapur attained a historic and memorable dimension this time.
