On the occasion of Maa Narmada Prakatotsav, unprecedented enthusiasm and joy was seen in Sanskardhani, on Friday. A flood of faith surged along the banks of the Narmada. Devotees gathered in large numbers at Gaurighat, Tilwaraghat and Bhedaghat since early morning. At Gaurighat, people immersed themselves in worship and rituals, taking a dip in the river with great devotion. During the afternoon and night at Umaghat, thousands gathered to seek the blessings of Maa Narmada during the Mahaaarti. Lakhs of devotes from city and adjoining rural areas thronged Gwarighat and other banks of river Narmada on the auspicious occasion of this mega religious event. To ensure peaceful and hurdle free celebrations of the event, the district administration along with Police and other agencies made extensive arrangements.

 

Police had done barricading at all important routes approaching to the river banks. Likewise, a number of police personnel were deployed at important points to monitor activities and maintain law and order. The Jabalpur Municipal Corporation also made ample arrangements for the ease of citizens. To ensure proper safety of countless devotees who thronged the banks of river Narmada, the district administration had also banned boating for the day. Only security guards, divers and homeguard jawans were allowed to step into the river and monitor river banks through motor boats. People gathered at the river banks to have holy dip, perform special prayers, Narmadashtak, Shivasthak, Maa Narmada Paduka Poojan, Maha Arti etc. People also offered ‘Chunari’ to the holy Narmada.

 

MAHAARTI AND PRASAD OF 56 BHOG: Narmada Prakatotsav celebration in the city was marked by grandeur. Worship and bhandara were organized at various locations. Religious events commenced on the banks of Narmada from the auspicious Brahma Muhurta and continued late into the night. Numerous ceremonies, including havans, pujas, bhajans and other religious rituals were performed by devotees. Those who come for worship and rituals believe that Mother Narmada fulfills all their desires and therefore, they come every year to perform religious ceremonies on the banks of Narmada.

 

BHANDARA AT VARIOUS PLACES: The mega religious event also witnessed preparations for bhandra in different areas. The arrangements began the previous night at places like Gaurighat, Miloniganj, Super Market, Ranital, Damohnaka, Garha, Ranjhi.

 

CENTRE OF ATTRACTION: idols of Maa Narmada have been installed by devotees at various places. Likewise, the statue of Narmada installed by Maa Reva Narmadotsav Samiti in Dixitpura was the center of attraction as it is built alike the statue of Ramlala in Ayodhya. People thronged in large number to see the idol.

 

ROBUST SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS: Looking to the large crowd during Narmada Prakatotsav celebration, the district administration, police and JMC administration had made robust security arrangements. To control any untoward incidents at the river banks, police officers along with security personnel and volunteers ensured security from morning until night.

 

RESTRICTIONS ON BOAT OPERATIONS: The district administration had completely restricted boat operations at Gaurighat, Jilaharighat, Lamhetaghat, Tilwaraghat, Bhedaghat and Saraswatighat during the religious celebration. Regularly operated boats for the transportation of villagers residing along the Narmada banks were exempted. However, all other boat operations were completely prohibited during the Narmada Jayanti celebration.

 

PROCESSIONS OF MAA NARMADA STATUES: On the occasion of Narmada Prakatotsav, statues of Maa Rewa were installed at various locations in the city. Statues were installed in Kotwali, Rampur square, Gorakhpur, Polipathar, Sadar, Damoh Naka Chowk, Ranital, Ranjhi, Gadh and other areas of the city. These statues will be taken to Gaurighat for immersion in the form of a procession, on Saturday.