New Delhi: Devotees visited temples and took holy dip in rivers as part of Ram Navami celebrations in the country, even as special prayers were performed in decorated places of worship marking the conclusion of the nine-day observance.
Tight security arrangements were in place at all important temples and places of gathering on a day, which passed off peacefully.
People sang hymns in praise of Lord Ram and rocked images of Child Ram in cradles to celebrate his birth. Chariot processions were also taken out in various parts of the country to add to the gaiety and fervour of celebrations.
About ten lakh devotees took holy dip in the river Saryu at Ayodya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. They visited major temples, including Kanak Bhawan, Hanumangarhi and Nageshwarnaath.
In Jammu and Kashmir, devotees offered 'Puran Ahuti" and offered special prayers for world peace. A total of 1,65,449 pilgrims from across the country had visited the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi during the nine-day austerity.
In the national capital, Hindu Parva Samnyoya Samiti took out a procession to mark the day's celebrations in which people from all walks of life participated.