Just like every year, the procession started from the famous Ranmukteshwar Mahadev temple at Pratapnagar where the political and common public joined in big numbers. The whole environment turns Shivmay with slogans and Bhajans of Lord Shiva as the procession moves towards its destination.
Like every year the Shivji Ki Savari proves to be one of the major attractions as the Shiv Parivar in all gold plated moves in the city in form of a procession to bless the devotees on Mahashivratri in Vadodara. Shivji Ki Savari is one of the biggest programs organized in the city for the past many years and this year too in spite of the Corona scare people joined in great numbers.
From Shree Ranmukteshwar temple the procession of Shiv Parivaar (Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati, Shree Ganesh, and Shree Kartikey) sitting on Nandi starts with the aarti performed by Satyam Shivam Sundaram Samiti President, Minister and MLA Yogesh Patel, MP Ranjan Bhatt, newly elected Mayor Keyur Rokadia, City BJP President Dr. Vijay Shah, Chandrakant Shrivastav (Bhattu) and others. After the aarti, the procession starts with the sounds of Dhol, Nagada, Bands, and Shiv Bhajans.
As per tradition, the procession starts from Runmukteshwar Mahadev temple in Pratapnagar with chants of Har Har Mahadev. Folk dance mandals, bands, dhol, and other groups march ahead with the procession. The chariot of Shiv Parivar is the center of attraction due to its golden shine.
The procession reaches Mandvi Chowkhandi and then passing from Nyaymandir, Bhagatsinh Circle, Khanderao market and reaches Sursagar for the Maha Arti.
The procession attracts a big crowd every year on Mahashivratri. During the route, different mandals welcome the procession with DJ systems playing Shiv Bhajans and chants. Various youth groups also distribute Sharbat, water, and Farali prasad along the route for the people.
The procession starts from Runmukteshwar Mahadev temple and passes through Chowkhandi, Mandvi, Nyay Mandir, Sursagar, Raopura Road, Kothi, and ends at Shivpuri near Aradhana talkies. A strict Police Bandobast is there at Sursagar and all along the procession route to ensure safety and security during the celebration.
After the procession, there will be a Maha aarti in Sursagar at Sarveshvar Mahadev. This year too Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani will be attending the Maha aarti along with deputy CM Nitin Patel, BJP president C.R. Patil, home minister Pradipsinh Jadeja and many other leaders along with devotees.
