Bihar Govt Announces Sitapuri City Development Around Sita Temple, Samrat Choudhary Says Project to Boost Tourism

The city of Patna Sahib observed Guru Govind Singh Prakashotsav 2025 with large gatherings, devotional programmes and cultural reverence today, marking the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The celebrations took place at prominent gurdwaras and community centres across the city, with special emphasis on the historic Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five temporal seats of authority and an important pilgrimage destination. The day began early with Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), followed by ceremonial Nagar Kirtans (religious processions) featuring hymns, martial displays and community participation. Devotees from Bihar and neighbouring states converged in large numbers, offering prayers and participating in langar (community meals) that emphasised inclusiveness and service — principles central to Sikh tradition. Religious scholars delivered discourses on the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, highlighting his contributions to social justice, spiritual resilience and the establishment of the Khalsa Panth. Local administration coordinated security, traffic management and crowd control to ensure a peaceful and well-organised celebration. Health and sanitation services were also deployed around key venues to support the smooth conduct of the event. Community leaders and volunteers worked together to distribute food, water and festive literature to visitors. Civic bodies and cultural troupes added to the spirit of Prakashotsav with music, poetry and folk presentations that reflected Patna’s rich multicultural heritage. Families, students and senior citizens expressed that the festival fostered a sense of unity, devotion and shared cultural identity, drawing attention to the enduring legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings. The event concluded with evening prayers, ardaas (supplication) and the lighting of lamps around the gurdwara precincts, symbolising light over darkness and reaffirming values of courage, faith and community service that Guru Gobind Singh Ji championed.© Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Today, the nation observes both Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima, producing a rare overlap of two major religious occasions. Across India and especially in the northern belt homes, gurdwaras, temples and ghats are adorned with lights, sacred readings, processions and communal gatherings. Government offices and schools in many states have been declared closed, enabling families to participate in the observances. The atmosphere is celebratory, combining devotional fervour with festive community interaction. In Bihar, where the election mood is also omnipresent, the day serves as a moment of pause: political campaigning slows, while social and cultural activities gain prominence. Streets that are usually dominated by banners and rallies take on a different texture, with devotees in traditional dress, lamp-lit evenings and river-front rituals. Administrations in cities and smaller towns have issued advisories: traffic adjustments near gurdwaras and ghats, guidelines for pilgrims and special arrangements for mass bathing or processions. The convergence of these festivals also provides an economic boost for local vendors, regional artisans and small businesses supplying lighting, sweets, religious paraphernalia and textiles. For citizens, the holiday offers both spiritual renewal and a chance to step back from daily routines. In a broader sense, the day underscores India’s plural cultural identity while serving as a reminder that even in politically charged times, moments of shared religious observance continue to bring communities together.

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, a massive wave of devotion swept through Patna's Mahavir Mandir. As the temple doors opened at 2 AM, chants of "Jai Siya Ram," "Ram Lalla Ki Jai," and "Jai Hanuman" echoed across the temple premises. Long queues of devotees stretched from the GPO area, eager to catch a glimpse of Lord Ram and Hanuman. A grand aarti was held at midnight with the beats of traditional drums and nagadas. To manage the huge crowd, the temple has arranged 13 special counters outside for distributing Naivedyam laddoos, with 25,000 kg prepared for the occasion. The permanent Naivedyam counter inside the temple remains closed today. Over 800 volunteers, along with local police and security forces, have been deployed, and the entire area is under CCTV surveillance. Special steel-pipe barricading has been installed for added safety. Authorities expect around 5 lakh devotees throughout the day. From 9 AM to 11 AM, a separate darshan line is available for those without offerings, via the east gate. The main celebration of Lord Ram’s birth will take place at noon, with dignitaries including Governor Arif Mohammad Khan attending the aarti. The city has deployed 2,200 police personnel to ensure security. Highlights include flower showers, special rot offerings, flag rituals, and evening processions welcomed at the temple. The temple has also announced the distribution of 2 lakh free Hanuman Chalisa booklets, allowing devotees to remember and chant the glories of Lord Ram and Hanuman on this sacred day.