Hyderabad took on a saffron hue on Sunday evening as thousands of devotees took the streets in devotion marking grand celebrations of Sri Rama Navami. The annual Shobha Yatra commemorating the birth of Lord Rama created atmosphere charged with spirituality and cultural pride. Organized by the Bhagyanagar Sri Ram Navami Utsav Samithi, one procession began at the historic Seetarambagh temple in Mangalhat and ended at Hanuman Vyayamshala in Koti. Simultaneously, BJP MLA T Raja Singh conducted another rally starting from Aakashpuri Hanuman Temple in Dhoolpet, showcasing the same festive zeal.

As the yatra wound its way through key areas like Dhoolpet, Begum Bazaar, Siddiamber Bazar, and Gowliguda, saffron flags, banners, and buntings dominated the visuals. Devotees, dressed in saffron attire and adorned with sandalwood paste, danced to pulsating drumbeats and chanted “Jai Shri Ram.” Highlights included elaborately decorated trucks portraying scenes from the Ramayana, as well as idols of Lord Srirama, Sri Hanuman, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A trolley carrying a model of Ayodhya’s Ram temple stood out as a significant attraction.

The community's spirit shone through as voluntary organizations and residents set up stalls offering water sachets, buttermilk, chilled juice, and lemon rice to refresh participants under the summer heat. Despite police restrictions on DJ systems, some areas resonated with devotional music amplifying the festive energy.

Hyderabad police ensured smooth conduct with heightened security measures, deploying 20,000 personnel, including Rapid Action Force units, and monitoring the event from an integrated command and control center through surveillance cameras. The yatra culminated in public meetings, emphasizing devotion and fostering unity.

These celebrations highlighted the blending of spiritual traditions, community collaboration, and cultural expressions, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to honour Lord Rama.