Akhand Ramayan Path
How the unbroken recitation is held, stage by stage
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the Akhand Ramayan Path: from the opening sankalpa and the lighting of the unbroken lamp, through the continuous relay recitation of the Ramcharitmanas, to the concluding havan, aarti and bhandara.
Preparation & Sankalpa
An altar is set with an image of the Ram Darbar (Shri Ram, Maa Sita, Shri Lakshman and Shri Hanuman) and a copy of the Ramcharitmanas, with a lit lamp and the kalash. The family takes a sankalpa, and the team of readers is arranged to read in relay.
Ganesh & Hanuman Puja
Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove obstacles, and Lord Hanuman, the foremost devotee of Lord Ram, is invoked to bless and protect the recitation.
Lighting the Akhand Jyot
An 'akhand jyot' — an unbroken lamp — is lit and kept burning continuously for the entire duration of the path, symbolising the steady presence of the divine.
Beginning the Path
The recitation of the Ramcharitmanas begins from the start (Bal Kand), opening the unbroken reading of the whole story of Lord Ram.
Continuous Recitation
The path continues without a single break. As one reader tires, the next takes over, flowing through all seven kands of the Ramcharitmanas, usually across 24 hours.
Completion of the Path
The recitation concludes with the final doha of the Ramcharitmanas, completing the unbroken reading.
Havan
A concluding havan (fire offering) is performed, with offerings of havan samagri and ghee into the sacred fire to seal the merit of the recitation.
Aarti & Bhandara
The event closes with the aarti of Lord Ram and the sharing of prasad, often a bhandara, a community meal offered to all who attend.
