Record numbers of Ram Navami celebration in WB heighten the Hindutva pitch across the state.

Ram Navami celebrations cross the mark of 3000  in Bengal, it may reach up to 5000; over 60 rallies in Kolkata, police on high alert.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | April 6, 2025:: The consecration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple has had a profound impact on the Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal, transforming them into a symbol of Hindu dominance in the political and social spheres. This year, the celebrations in Bengal have seen unprecedented participation, with over 3,000 events taking place across the state.

The enthusiasm is palpable, with organizers expecting the number of celebrations to reach a record 5,000, showcasing the growing momentum of Hindutva festivities in the region. This surge in participation reflects a significant shift in the way Ram Navami is being celebrated in West Bengal, with many seeing it as an opportunity to assert their cultural and religious identity.

PTI reports from Kolkata, “Ram Navami celebrations began across West Bengal on Sunday morning with vibrant processions and chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, as devotees thronged the streets to soak in the religious fervour, amid heightened security in the state to maintain law and order during the celebrations.

“The festive spirit was palpable on the streets, with saffron flags, devotional music and tableaux depicting scenes from the Ramayana adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.”

“In Kolkata alone, more than 60 rallies have been planned, prompting the deployment of around 4,000 to 5,000 police personnel. Senior ofcials, including those of the rank of deputy commissioner and joint commissioner, have been tasked with overseeing security across the rally routes.”

BJP state President and Union Minister, Dr Sukanta Majumder says. “Lakhs of Hindus are expected to hit the roads on Ram Navami. I would urge the state government to take steps so that it can be celebrated peacefully. Any attempts to forcefully halt the celebrations won’t be tolerated. Ram Navami celebrations will be held, no matter what you do.”

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a Ram Mandir in his Nandigram assembly constituency, has also lined up programmes in Howrah and Purba Medinipur.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari recently claimed  that at least 1.5 crore Hindus would participate in Ram Navami celebrations, with over 2,000 large rallies across the state. However, sources indicate that spontaneous public participation may push the number of celebrations beyond 5,000, including small, medium, and mega events. This excludes the private home and village temple’s Ramchandra pujas.

People not affiliated with RSS, BJP, or VHP are also organizing Ramchandra Puja and shobhayatra, inspired by the Ayodhya influence. However, the exact numbers are unknown, even to Sangha Parivar authorities.

Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also participated in numbers of Ram Navami Rallies in West Medinipur with his outspokenness commenting, “what’s wrong with weapons at Ram Navami rally, Hindus worship the power both physical and spiritual.”

Tensions are running high in West Bengal as Ram Navami celebrations take center stage, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) accusing the BJP of trying to communalize the occasion. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claims the BJP is using Ram Navami as a political tool, seeking to create unrest in the state rather than focusing on development.

The West Bengal police have deployed extensive security measures, including drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and quick response teams stationed at sensitive locations.

The Ram Navami celebrations have become a significant flashpoint in the ongoing tussle between the BJP and TMC, with both parties accusing each other of trying to use religion for political gains. The BJP is reportedly pushing to consolidate Hindu votes, while the TMC sees this as an attempt to provoke unrest.

Despite the tensions, Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have remained largely peaceful, with no major incidents of violence reported. The Hindu community has come together to observe the festival with devotion and unity, showcasing their strong faith and solidarity. The celebrations have been marked by traditional prayers, fasting, and processions, with a sense of harmony and togetherness prevailing throughout the state.
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__Inputs from PTI and Agencies.