An 80-year-old tradition links Ram Navami to the heart of Coimbatore, forming an integral part of the city's intangible heritage. The Ram Navami Sabha, held at Binny Subbarao's residence, known with love as Lalitha Nivas, on Ponnurangam Road in Rathinasabapathy Puram, stands as a testament to this enduring connection.

With a warm smile, Shri Vijayanand recounted, 'As a child, I witnessed my grandfather's dedication to these celebrations, and later, our fathers carried on the tradition. Now, my brother Ramesh Nagarajan and I, along with our cousin Suresh and every other family member are honored to follow in their footsteps. The values instilled by our grandfather, and the joy this event brings to attendees, have been our driving force. We are deeply gratified to have upheld this family tradition for 80 years.'

Born in Palacode, a town in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, Binny Subbarao found success as a businessman and settled in Coimbatore in 1926, where he established Ramco Swadeshis. As his business flourished, he began planning his residence in RS Puram, which is now the Binny Subbarao Pandhal. The tradition began with a postmaster, a neighbor, who requested a small space across the construction site for a community Ram Navami celebration 82 years ago. Subbarao, known for his generosity, readily agreed, providing the space for two consecutive years.

When the postmaster was transferred to Gobichettipalayam, the tradition was threatened. However, rather than let it lapse, Binny Subbarao made a pivotal decision. He halted construction and dedicated the space entirely to the Ram Navami celebration. Year after year, he hosted the event, drawing people from across the city.

Subbarao's commitment extended beyond his lifetime; he instilled in his children the importance of continuing the tradition. Today, this cherished heritage spans more than four generations. He intentionally fostered an inclusive atmosphere, transforming the event into a community celebration through widespread public participation and contributions. Following the contributions and donations, the Binny Subbarao family covers all remaining expenses incurred for the celebration. This commitment to inclusivity and divine service has resulted in attendees traveling from across India, and even internationally, to experience the annual Kacheri in Coimbatore.

Over the past 80 years, the Binny Subbarao Pandhal has resonated with the voices of India's most esteemed Carnatic musicians and scholars. Luminaries such as Mandolin Srinivasan, Chitti Babu, and Madurai Mani Iyer among countless others, have graced this stage. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that nearly every significant figure in Carnatic music has performed within its hallowed space. Just as the Madras Music Academy shapes Chennai's Carnatic music scene, the Binny Subbarao Pandhal has played a pivotal role in nurturing and showcasing the art form in Coimbatore.

Remarkably, the generational dedication extends beyond the Binny Subbarao family. Stakeholders, contributors, and attendees share this enduring connection. From Subiksha Caterers, who have provided prasadham for generations, to the 4th generation flower vendors, 3rd generation nadhaswaram vidhwans, pandal managers, and snack purveyors, every facet of the event is entrusted to families of seasoned experts. Around 80 people from 4 generations are directly associated with the conduction of the celebration.

Shri Vijayanand shared, 'I, myself is a generational participant of the event. As a child, I was captivated by the bhajans. The sweet taste of Pori Urandais shared with friends, coupled with the enriching lessons from the bhajans and kathakalachebams, are cherished memories.'"

The enduring appeal of this tradition is evident in the participants, some of whom once journeyed from Perur by bullock cart 82 years ago, and now return with their families to share in its timeless joy. Generations have passed, with those once brought by their grandparents now proudly introducing their own grandchildren to the event. Even those who have settled in distant parts of India or abroad make it a point to return to the Pandhal annually, ensuring they don't miss this cherished experience.

The event has navigated the currents of time, evolving from its early days of bullock cart journeys, floor dining, and pre-electricity Coimbatore to the modern era of luxury vehicles, vibrant illuminations, and catered meals. Yet, amidst these changes, the Binny Subbarao family has steadfastly preserved the event's sanctity. To this day, the kacheri remains unrecorded and untelevised, ensuring the deity's sacredness remains untainted. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the celebration, eminent pioneers of Coimbatore of the day, presented the Pandhal with a silver statue of Lord Rama.

The 15-day celebration, previously of 21 days, encompasses variety of events, including bhajans, kacheris, the Rama Urvalam (procession), Anjaneya Utsavam, and Sita Kalyanam. A highlight of the event is the evening bhajans, a tradition initiated by Sadhguru Shri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar. His legacy has been seamlessly carried forward by his son, Shri Sanjeev Bhagavatar, and grandson, Shri Ravi Bhagavatar, widely known as Shri Ramananda Saraswathy.

The auspicious Sita Kalyanam takes place on the ninth day. The celebration also used to feature a six-hour procession, now truncated to 4 days, the Rama Urvalam, which winds its way through RS Puram, pausing at homes and shops for devotees to receive Lord Rama’s blessings.

The kacheris, held from April 7th to 11th, will feature performances by Carnatic artists like the Malladi Brothers, Vishaka Hari, Sandeep Narayanan, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan and Viji, and Bharat Sundar. The Rama Urvalam (procession) is scheduled for April 12th, followed by the Anjaneya Utsav on April 13th.

This year's Ramayana Upanyasam is being delivered by Brahmashri Angarai Rangasami Deekshitar, begins on Ugadi and extends till the 6th of April. The Sita Kalyanam ceremony is being conducted under the auspices of Pujyashri Shri Ramanandha Saraswati from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Many devotees believe that worshipping Lord Rama during the Sita Kalyanam at this celebration brings auspicious matrimonial news to families. Testimonies abound of couples returning the following year to express their gratitude. Additionally, it is customary for devotees to offer Paruppu Thenga to Lord Rama. Shri Vijayanand shared with heartfelt sincerity, 'By the grace of Lord Rama and the blessings of the Sringeri Acharya, those who attend this celebration, offer their prayers, and receive the Ramar Prasadham are granted their heartfelt wishes.

The Binny Subbarao family's contribution to the spiritual landscape is truly invaluable. Not only have they sustained this 80-year-old tradition, but they have also been the dedicated patrons of the Navaratri Chandi Homam at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham since 1956. Furthermore, in 1958, the Navaratri Pooja was reverently conducted at their residence by the Acharya.

The Annadhanam, a communal feast, is a central feature of the event. Held daily throughout the 15 days, it nourishes over 2oo people each day, with even larger gatherings on weekends and more than 2500 people during Sita Kalyanam. With a warm smile, Shri Vijayanand extended a heartfelt invitation: 'I encourage everyone to join us, bring their children, and partake in the blessed Rama Prasadham during this celebration.’

This enduring tradition, which has touched the lives of over 500 families, every single day of the celebration, over the course of 80 years, stands as a source of immense pride for Coimbatore. Our conversation with Shri Vijayanand instilled within us a renewed sense of purpose, inspiring us to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to our endeavors and serve Lord Rama with unwavering devotion. We, The Verandah Club, extend a warm invitation to our readers to experience this remarkable celebration and become part of its timeless legacy.

Vigneshwaran, Senior Correspondent of TheVerandahClub.com is both a skilled digital content writer, story teller and marketer by profession, as well as an avid independent writer driven by his passion. His literary talents extend to crafting beautiful poems and captivating short stories including the Sehwag Tales series. In addition to these creative pursuits, he has also authored a book titled "Halahala," which can be found on Wattpad.