In a spectacular display of bhakti and patriotism, Narmada Jayanti transformed the ghats of Narsinghpur into vibrant hubs of worship. The revered Narmada River, often called Madhya Pradesh’s lifeline, witnessed an unprecedented rush of devotees on Sunday. Flowing through fertile plains, it sustains agriculture, quenches thirst, and inspires legends that bind the region’s soul.
Pilgrims from far and wide, including those walking barefoot for days, filled every ghat from Satdhara onwards. The air resonated with bhajans, while Republic Day added a tricolor touch – students offered national flags as chunaris to the mother river. This fusion of faith and nationalism painted a unique picture of unity.
At its core, the celebrations promoted eco-conscious reverence. Leaders emphasized that safeguarding the Narmada’s cleanliness is a devotee’s foremost duty. Hundreds pledged to shun plastic waste and maintain spotless ghats, recognizing the river’s role in daily life and ecology.
Among the long-distance travelers was Golu Kushwaha from Lakhnadon tehsil in Seoni. A regular since 2017, he credits the river goddess for boundless blessings. ‘The crowds were so huge this year that roads emptied out,’ he noted, planning annual returns.
Swachhta Abhiyan mentors like Shivani Vishwakarma and Bhagwan Upadhyay led the charge against littering. Vishwakarma pointed to discarded pouches and bottles as affronts to devotion, while Upadhyay quoted, ‘I bow to Devi Narmada’s lotus feet,’ stressing that rituals pale without environmental care. They called for personal pledges: carry back all trash to strengthen both faith and the ecosystem.
The event concluded on a hopeful note, with devotees leaving empowered to protect their lifeline. Narmada Jayanti thus emerges as a beacon for blending spirituality with sustainability in modern India.
