Whenever faith and culture meet between the sacred and historical streams of Uttar Pradesh, the entire state becomes drenched in divinity and grandeur. In this sequence, a very beautiful and amazing sight was seen in the Yamuna river of the religious and cultural city, when grand boats decorated with the holy name of Lord Shri Ram and traditional religious symbols were launched into the water. These artistic and beautiful boats floating on the waves of Yamuna spread far and wide, captivated the hearts of thousands of devotees present at the ghats, local citizens and tourists from far and wide. When these boats started sailing in the river amidst the cheers and chanting of ‘Ram Naam’, dancing with the waves of water, the whole atmosphere seemed to be reminiscent of Treta Yug. This event has not only promoted religious tourism but has also given a new dimension to the deep roots of Sanatan culture and love for art.
Traditional sailors and local craftsmen have shown their excellent art and skill in preparing these special boats that were launched in the Yamuna river. Special saffron and yellow colored clothes, flower garlands, traditional lamps and attractive lighting have been used extensively in the decoration of boats. Each boat has ‘Shri Ram’ artistically written on it, which shines on the surface of the water in sunlight and during the evening aarti. The craftsmen say that it took many days of hard work to prepare these boats so that when they land in the calm waters of Yamuna, the eyes of the viewer remain wide open. To see this unique decoration of boats, people from different districts of Uttar Pradesh are visiting Yamuna Ghats every day and are capturing this historical moment in their cameras.
It is the result of the continuous efforts being made by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote religious and cultural tourism that today a series of such grand events are being seen at the major pilgrimage sites and banks of rivers of the state. The operation of these boats decorated with the name of Ram in the Yamuna river has also given a new boost to the livelihood of local sailors and boat club operators. When these boats float in a line during the evening aarti and cultural programs on the river ghats, it appears as if a long chain of lamps and faith has descended across the river. This enthusiasm of tourists and devotees is proof that people’s unwavering devotion towards Indian culture and the ideals of Lord Ram is still alive, and such unique events are further strengthening the global identity of Uttar Pradesh.