Jagadguru Rambhadracharya's 9-day Ram Katha begins in Lucknow, CM Yogi likely to attend
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Padma Vibhushan Jagadguru Rambhadracharya launched a grand nine-day Shri Ram Katha in Lucknow on 1 June, with the spiritual discourses scheduled to run through 9 June at the Brij Ki Rasoi premises on Sitapur Road. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to attend the event, according to the organising committee.
Programme Overview
The nine-day Katha follows a structured narrative arc, with a distinct episode assigned to each day. Day 1 covers the Kalash Yatra, Guru Vandana, and the Bharadwaj-Yagnavalkya dialogue. Subsequent days trace the appearance of Mata Sita, Shiva's marriage, Shri Ram's birth anniversary on Day 4, and childhood episodes leading to Ram's forest exile on Day 5. Sita Ram Vivah is the centrepiece of Day 6, while Day 7 narrates Ram's exile, the Kevat dialogue, and the Ram-Bharat meeting.
Day 8 recounts Sita's abduction and the character of Shabari. The Katha concludes on 9 June from 9 am to 12 pm, with episodes covering the burning of Lanka, the return to Ayodhya, and the Shri Ram Rajyabhishek. A grand Mahaprasad feast will be distributed to devotees at the close.
Political Presence and State Support
The organising committee has indicated that several ministers from the Yogi Adityanath government are likely to attend on different dates. Special preparations are reportedly under way in anticipation of the Chief Minister's visit. Notably, on 23 May, CM Adityanath released the poster of the Katha stage — designed as a replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple — and conveyed his best wishes for the event, signalling the administration's visible endorsement.
About Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
Despite being visually impaired since infancy, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya has authored more than 250 books and commands wide reverence across India for his contributions to education, literature, and spirituality. The Union government conferred the Padma Vibhushan — India's second-highest civilian honour — upon him in recognition of this body of work. He was also a key witness in the Ayodhya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi case.
Significance of the Event
The organisers describe the Shri Ram Katha as more than a religious gathering — framing it as a vehicle for reinforcing moral values, family traditions, social harmony, and national awareness. This comes amid a broader cultural moment following the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year, with Ram Katha events drawing heightened public and political attention across Uttar Pradesh. The Lucknow edition, anchored by one of India's most prominent spiritual scholars, is expected to draw large crowds of devotees throughout the nine days.