Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 6 (ANI): As devotees throng to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, members of the Muslim community have decided to shower devotees with flower petals in a show of solidarity between Muslims and Hindus.

Iqbal Ansari, a resident of Ayodhya and former litigant in the city's land dispute case regarding Ram Janmabhoomi, said that in the land of Ram and Hanuman, there has always been brotherhood between Muslims and Hindus.

'We are residents of Ayodhya, people who come to Ayodhya, I respect them, and consider them a guest of mine. Our country is a country of Hindus and Muslims, there should be brotherhood between us, and there is brotherhood. There is a brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims in our nation and we respect 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb',' Ansari told ANI here.

Highlighting how Ram Navami has been celebrated in the city for centuries, he mentioned the community's plan to shower devotees with flower petals.

'Today is the day of festival, it is a mela. Everyone is respected here in Ayodhya; Ram, Hanuman are respected here. We will shower flower petals on the devotees arriving in Ayodhya. We will celebrate everyone coming here,' Ansari said.

'Ayodhya is the land of religion and devi-devtas. Ram Navami has been celebrated in Ayodhya for centuries. Devotees take a holy dip in the Saryu River and offer prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple and the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Ayodhya is known to be pure. People come to Ayodhya from all over, they get respect, they get their wishes here,' he added.

Visuals from the city showed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple decorated with flowers and lights on the occasion of Ram Navami.

Security forces have also been deployed in the city, with police officials putting up barricades in certain areas to prepare for the large number of devotees which are expected in the city.

Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu wished the people of the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami.

Posting on X, President Murmu said, 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all countrymen on the holy festival of Ram Navami. This festival conveys the message of righteousness, justice, and duty-consciousness. Lord Shri Ram, the epitome of dignity, presented the highest ideals of sacrifice, commitment, harmony, and valour for humankind. His concept of good governance, known as Ram Rajya, is considered ideal. My good wishes are that on this auspicious occasion, all countrymen resolve to work unitedly for the construction of a developed India.' (ANI)