Grand Opening of Rashtra Hanumant Katha in Prayag: Thousands Join Sacred Kalash Yatra, Arun Govil–Dipika Chikhlia Draw Devotees’ Attention
The Rashtra Shri Hanumant Katha by Bageshwar Dham’s Acharya Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri commenced on Monday amid deep religious fervour and impressive public participation in Prayag.
Organised by the Prayag Utthan Samiti, the spiritual event began with a grand Mangal Kalash Yatra that set a devotional tone across the city.
The procession started from Jamuna Christian Inter College in Muthiganj, where thousands of women dressed in traditional yellow attire carried sacred kalash and shriphal (coconut) on their heads, symbolising faith and auspicious beginnings.
The yatra passed through key localities including Gau Ghat, Muthiganj, Ram Bhavan and Mansarovar Chauraha before culminating at the Shri Patharchatti Ramlila Committee ground in Rambagh.
The atmosphere was marked by a blend of devotion and spectacle. Bands from Meerut, horse-mounted escorts and vibrant religious tableaux added colour to the spiritual procession.
One of the major attractions was a ceremonial chariot carrying actors from Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan — Arun Govil (Lord Ram), Dipika Chikhlia (Sita) and Sunil Lahri (Lakshman).
Devotees gathered in large numbers along the route, eager to catch a glimpse of the actors who have long been associated with the revered epic in popular culture.
Organisers ensured elaborate arrangements for the comfort and safety of participants, including medical camps and comprehensive security measures throughout the procession route.
Volunteers were stationed at multiple points to manage the large turnout and maintain order.
The grand Kalash Yatra has generated considerable enthusiasm in the city, with expectations of a significant influx of devotees during the upcoming sessions of the Rashtra Shri Hanumant Katha.
The event reflects the continued cultural and spiritual resonance of Ramayan traditions in public life, bringing together faith, heritage and community participation in a deeply engaging manner.
