By Damodharlila Dasa (Padayatra leader)
We celebrated Ram Navami in Jamkhed. It is a census town in Ahmednagar now called as Ahilyanagar district. I was discussing what arrangements should be done for Ramanavami celebration and as if Lord was listening to us. Raja Parikshit Maharaj, w our Godbrother, he said we will all together celebrated a grand ramanavmi festival. Here at my house. We were very happy as thanked Lord for His mercy on us.
Sri Rama ki jai! He arranged a stage and a large pandal in front of his house. It was decorated very beautifully.
On the day of Rama Navami, everyone observed fasting until 12 noon. Offerings were made not just chappan bhog (56 preparations), but more than 108 food items. Haribol. He had requested the people from the colony to prepare at least one offering each, and many of them brought preparations they had cooked themselves for the pleasure of the Lordships.
After the darsana, abhishek ceremony was performed of our Sri Sri Nitai Guarasundar, and then all the offerings were presented to the Lordships. There was Rama katha for the assembled devotees.Then Mahararti. All the devotees joined us in sankirtana and danced to their hearts content, it was very wonderful celebration.
In the evening, Gaura Aarti was performed. There was also a drama based on Lord Rama and His pastimes. In this way, everyone remained busy throughout the entire day. We had a very joyful and wonderful celebration there.
Hare Krishna.
