Authorities had earlier ordered that DJ systems not be used during the procession, with sound levels not to exceed 75 decibels. However, noise levels measured by South First during the event ranged between 81 and 86 decibels. Loud music and speeches were played from large speakers mounted on trucks, including those used with Raja Singh.
Published Apr 06, 2025 | 10:11 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 06, 2025 | 10:11 PM
Synopsis: Thousands gathered in Hyderabad for the annual Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra, led by BJP MLA T Raja Singh, amid blaring DJ music and chants of “Jai Shri Ram”, despite a ban on loudspeakers. The procession featured floats, saffron flags, and communal speeches by Singh.
Thousands of devotees filled the streets of Hyderabad on Sunday, 6 April, for the annual Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra, with saffron flags and banners dominating the city’s Old City quarters. Chants of “Jai Shri Ram” rang out loudly and frequently.
The grand procession, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA T Raja Singh, began at the Akashpuri Hanuman Temple in Dhoolpet and is scheduled to conclude at Hanuman Vyayamshala in Koti.
Singh, who has led the yatra each year since its inception in 2010, repeatedly referred to Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar – the city’s proposed renaming demanded by right wing groups.
The yatra, organised by the Bhagyanagar Sri Ram Navami Utsav Samithi, passed through key localities including Mangalhat, Dhoolpet, Begum Bazaar, Siddiamber Bazar, and Gowliguda.
At several stops, including in front of the historic Jamia Masjid in Siddiamber Bazaar, Singh made provocative communal remarks.
Referring to the swelling masses, he said, “We applied the oil of Dabur and erased the name of Babur. They got one push – we need to get ready to push them again, not each other.”
He also took aim at the Waqf Board, accusing it of enabling “land jihad” and claimed that people were now too afraid to engage in either “love or land jihad” because of Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
“They are scared that Yogi’s bulldozer will show up,” he declared to loud cheers.
Calling the yatra an emerging national phenomenon, stated: “Hindus are not afraid of anything, whether it’s the sun or rain,” he said. “They want a Hindu Rashtra and they will get a Hindu Rashtra.”
Trucks depicting scenes from the Ramayana formed part of the parade, and Raja Singh’s face was prominently displayed across banners and vehicles, second only to images of Lord Rama.
Police have deployed around 20,000 personnel across the city to manage the crowd and ensure safety, and the Hyderabad Police Commissioner held a review meeting on Friday ahead of the event.
Authorities had earlier ordered that DJ systems not be used during the procession and reminded organisers of a 2000 Supreme Court judgment regulating noise levels in urban areas. As per the order, sound levels must not exceed 75 decibels.
DJ systems were used during the rally, despite police orders prohibiting them.
However, noise levels measured by South First during the procession were between 81 and 86 decibels. Loud music and speeches were played from large speakers mounted on trucks, including those used by Raja Singh.
Speaking to South First, a police officer who wished to remain anonymous confirmed the violation: “If they do as they please, we will do as we must.”
In the days leading up to the yatra, Raja Singh had appealed to the police “not to put pressure” on the organisers.
Meanwhile, crowd control seemed lax, with barely any space to stand for the crowds.
While the procession drew large crowds and festive energy, reception from the residents was mixed.
“This is something we look forward to every single year. The festival can be done at home, but Raja Singh makes it exuberant and fun. Everybody is dancing and energetic – it’s all in all a fun way to celebrate the festival and remember god,” said Dharmendra Kumar, 13.
Pramod Bharathamma, 22, a resident of Owaisipura, said: “I got a call from my friends to come and attend a couple of years ago and now we all go together. They give us prasad, elder people give us some wisdom, and my friends and I can just let loose. Of course it is loud, but it’s okay because it’s not an everyday thing. If you have an issue with this then you should also stop mosque speakers everywhere.”
Kamalamma, 65, a resident of Mangalhat, said: “It is a little inconvenient for these many people to flock here, as I am worried the young ones will get hurt. And the music is loud but it does not linger for long. It makes me happy to see so many people gather for a festival.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
