Ranchi, March 27 Devotees flocked to temples across Jharkhand on Friday to celebrate Ram Navami, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren performing prayers at a shrine in the state capital, Ranchi.
The CM, along with his wife, Kalpana Soren, visited the Shri Ram Janaki Tapovan Temple in Nivaranpur to participate in the rituals.
"Celebrating Ram Navami is a great joy for everyone. This grand celebration would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the people," he said.
"The respect and reverence for Lord Ram, along with the sacrifice and penance of Lord Hanuman, will surely remain in our hearts and in the atmosphere for ages to come," he added.
Soren said that the beautification work of 'Tapovan Bhoomi' is underway.
"I pray to Lord Ram that this beautification work gets completed at the earliest," he said, adding that all devotees should also pray that the identity of this shrine gets strengthened.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened across the state in view of the festival, officials said.
Surveillance has been intensified with the deployment of drones, CCTV cameras and quick response teams, they said, adding that special focus is being given to sensitive areas.
Religious processions will be taken out in most districts later in the day, while in Hazaribag and Jamshedpur, considered sensitive zones, these will be organised on Saturday, officials said.
Cities and towns have been decorated with saffron flags in preparation for the celebrations.
Since early morning, devotees have been gathering outside temples to offer prayers.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
In a post on X, Gangwar said, "May the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram – truth, righteousness, sacrifice, and propriety – forever illuminate the lives of all. I wish this auspicious festival brings happiness, peace and prosperity to all."