Ram Navami celebrated with fervour in Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Apr 12: The festival of Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Ram, was celebrated with great fervour and religious harmony in the temple town of Ayodhya today (Apr 12).

Lakhs of devotees took a dip in the Saryu river and visited the various temples. The annual fair was also organised on the banks of the river.

Special prayers were offered at mid-day, when Lord Ram is supposed to have been born.

Though there was a tight security arrangement, it was the first time in several years that the festival was celebrated here without any threat perception.

"There was no extremist threat to this large religious gathering of Ram Navami Mela, but we have made all possible arrangements to ensure the security of devotees," a police officer said.

Setting an example of communal harmony, members of the Muslim community came forward with a helping hand for the Hindu devotees who came from different parts of the country to celebrate the festival.

Members of the temple town's social organisation ''Ayodhya Ki Awaz'' from both Hindu and Muslim communities along with other Muslim volunteers were active in the fair in assisting the devotees.

"We arranged drinking water and first aid at various points of the city to help devotees if they are in any problem," said Raees Ahmad, a Muslim youth.

"These Hindu devotees who came to Ayodhya to celebrate Ram Navami are like my personal guests so I am trying to serve them up to the possible extent," he added.

PTI