The streets of Ranchi came alive with devotion on Friday as Pahari Baba’s Tilakotsav procession paraded through the city on Vasant Panchami. Spearheaded by Sri Shiv Barat Ayojan Mahasamiti and the teams from Pahari Mandir and Aryapuri Shiv Panch Mandir, the event was a feast for the senses, complete with gongs, drums, and jubilant chants.
Starting at Aryapuri Shiv Panch Mandir, the grand shobha yatra progressed to Pahari Mandir, attracting hundreds of participants dressed in ethnic finery. Devotees balanced ornate baskets of offerings on their heads, their faces glowing with anticipation.
A ceremonial welcome awaited them at the temple gates. The tilak ritual, conducted per traditional Vedic rites, was followed by the joyous distribution of bhog prasad to all attendees.
Notable attendees included Rajesh Sahu, Badal Singh, Rivaldo Verma, Devashish Roy, and a constellation of local leaders and enthusiasts. The committee emphasized their comprehensive preparations: floral arches and lights adorned the path, security was airtight, hydration points were plentiful, and prasad logistics were flawless.
Key contributors from the temple fraternity—Prem Sahu, Nandkishore Pathak, Nitesh Pathak, Sandeep Jain, and scores of dedicated Shiva bhakts like Ashok Bajaj, Gopal Yadav, and Basant Patwari—ensured every detail was perfected.
This year’s celebration stands as a testament to Ranchi’s unwavering spiritual heritage, blending age-old customs with contemporary organizational excellence to create lasting memories for all involved.