HYDERABAD: Amid chants of Jai Shri Ram, thousands of devotees from across the city took part in the Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra on Sunday to mark the auspicious occasion.
The main procession began at the Seetharambagh temple in Asif Nagar and concluded at Hanuman Vyamshala in Sultan Bazar, covering a distance of around 6.5 km. The Yatra passed through key areas including Mangalhat, Begum Bazar Chhatri, Gowliguda Kaman, Gurudwara, Putli Bowli Chowrasta, and Koti.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C V Anand personally monitored the entire route from the morning, coordinating with the Sri Rama Navami Utsav Committee to ensure an early start to the procession. He also reviewed real-time updates through drone surveillance and CCTV feeds, issuing directions to field-level officers via radio and WhatsApp groups.
Approximately 20,000 police personnel were deployed across the city to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra.
“With the cooperation of the Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra organisers, officials from various government departments, devotees, and the people of Hyderabad, the procession was completed peacefully,” said Anand and added: “On behalf of Hyderabad City Police, I thank everyone.”
However, despite prior instructions, loud DJs and music systems were used extensively during the rally. Notably, on September 9, the Hyderabad police had announced a ban on the use of DJ systems during religious processions, following consultations with political and community representatives.
While granting permission for the 2025 Shobha Yatra, the police had laid down clear conditions: organizers were explicitly instructed not to use DJ systems, sound mixers, high-decibel equipment, or loudspeakers. Additionally, they were directed not to halt mid-route for speeches.
The permission letter also emphasised that no provocative speeches, slogans, or songs hurting the sentiments of others should be made or played during the procession or the concluding gathering at Hanuman Vyayamshala.