NARSINGHPUR, Madhya Pradesh – On the auspicious occasion of Maa Narmada Jayanti, the sacred river that nourishes the heartland of central India came alive with fervent devotion. Thousands of pilgrims converged on the ghats along the Narmada in Narsinghpur district, turning the riverbanks into a sea of spirituality. Known as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada not only irrigates vast farmlands but also holds profound cultural and religious significance for millions.
The celebrations peaked on Sunday, coinciding with Republic Day festivities. Pilgrims arrived in droves, many undertaking long foot marches from distant villages. At Satdhara and other key ghats, the sight of devotees chanting hymns and offering prayers was mesmerizing. School children added patriotic fervor, draping tricolor chunaris over the river as a symbol of national pride intertwined with faith.
Beyond rituals, the event underscored a vital message of environmental stewardship. Devotees took solemn vows to keep Maa Narmada’s waters pristine and her ghats litter-free. ‘This is not just about worship; it’s about responsibility,’ said one participant, echoing the sentiment that true devotion demands protecting nature’s gifts.
Golu Kushwaha, a devotee from Adegav village in Seoni district, trekked over hundreds of kilometers for the eighth consecutive year. ‘Maa Narmada fulfills wishes before we even ask,’ he shared, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. The massive turnout cleared village paths, as entire communities headed to the river.
Cleanliness drives amplified the call to action. Mentor Shivani Vishwakarma highlighted how plastic pouches and bottles often mar the sacred sites. ‘Faith without cleanliness is incomplete,’ she urged, launching awareness campaigns to educate visitors. Fellow mentor Bhagwan Upadhyay invoked ancient slokas, reminding everyone that real piety lies in preserving the river’s purity, not just performing ceremonies.
As the sun set over the flowing waters, pilgrims departed with renewed commitment. This Jayanti wasn’t merely a festival; it was a clarion call for sustainable devotion, ensuring Maa Narmada’s legacy endures for generations.