110-year-old traditional Dol procession travels through prominent areas of the city amid devotional fervour, cultural performances and community participation
Indore, September 24 (SDNA):
The centuries-old devotional tradition of the Rathore community came alive in Indore as the Shri Sakal Panch Rathore Samaj organised its traditional Dol Chal Samaroh on the auspicious occasion of Jal Jhulni Ekadashi.
The procession began from Rathore Vidya Niketan in Samajwadi Indira Nagar, where Lord Laddu Gopal and Radha Rani were ceremonially installed in the community’s approximately 110-year-old Dol. Following traditional rituals, prayers and an aarti, the decorated Dol proceeded through the city amid devotional enthusiasm.
The ceremony was attended by former corporator Sonu Rathore, Akhil Bharatiya Rathore Kshatriya Mahasabha patron Vinod Rathore Dada, Vijay Devda, Govind Rathore, President of the Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Pandit Narendra Rathore, Devkaran Rathore, Ashok Rathore, associated with the garden construction, and Women’s Wing President Sangeeta Devda, along with several senior members of the community.
Traditional Rituals Mark the Beginning
Shri Sakal Panch Rathore Samaj President Lalit Rathore and Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Coordinator Harish Rathore (Laddu Baba) said that Laddu Gopal and Radha Rani were placed in the Dol before the commencement of the procession.
Community members participated in the ceremonial worship and aarti before the Dol was taken through the city’s traditional route.
Community office-bearers wearing Malvi turbans were also honoured during the event with flower garlands and traditional scarves.
Martial Arts and Cultural Performances Draw Attention
One of the major attractions of the procession was the performance by members of the community’s traditional akhada.
Artists Gaurav Rathore, Ankit Rathore, Ayush Rathore and Priyanshi Rathore showcased skills involving banethi, pata, sword and malkhamb, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the religious procession.
The performances attracted attention from spectators at various points along the route, where the procession also received warm welcomes from residents and devotees.
Public Participation Along the Route
Regional MLA Malini Gaur, along with Jitendra Rathore and Meeta Rambabu, also participated in the procession.
At different locations, devotees offered prayers to Laddu Gopal and Radha Rani and performed aarti as the Dol passed through the city.
The procession moved from Samajwadi Indira Nagar towards Labariya Bheru, Biyabani, Kapda Market and Khajuri Bazaar, before reaching Rajwada.
At Rajwada, the Purvi Kshetra Dharmik Sangathan welcomed the procession at its platform. Pandit Meet Kashyap and Yogendra Mahant were present for the ceremonial reception and honouring of the Dol.
Traditional Conclusion at Pandharinath
After the Rajwada reception, the procession continued along its traditional route and reached Pandharinath, where the concluding aarti was performed under the guidance of Vinod Rathore, a sevak associated with Laddu Gopal.
The ceremony concluded with prayers and community participation, preserving the long-standing religious tradition of the Rathore Samaj.
Among those present were Nilanshu Rathore, Mayankdeep Rathore, Nitin Rathore, Shubham Rathore, Chetan Rathore, Vandana Rathore, Bhavna Gehlot, Manju Bodane, Pramila Rathore, Anil Rathore, Ravi Rathore and Raju Rathore, along with other community members.
Traditional Decoration Adds to the Festive Appeal
The decorative work for this year’s Dol was completed under the supervision of Raju Prahlad Rathore.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all members of the Rathore community and participants who contributed to the successful conduct of the religious procession. Lucky Rathore conveyed the community’s thanks to everyone involved.
(SDNA)