Why is it celebrated?
Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Rama, the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was born to King Dashratha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. Ram Navami marks a day of rejoicing, fasting, paying devotion to the lord and sharing incidents about life of Lord Rama, which show his strength of character and adherence of “dharma”, despite facing the harshest situations.
Importance:
Rama was born on earth to win over evil with good. He was the son of King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. He was considered ideal in every respect- the ideal son, husband, brother ruler, and above all a man. For this reason he is also known as “purshottam”. Ram Navami is celebrated by devotees of Lord Rama to pay their devotion and respect to the God for his blessings. Ram navami also marks the end of Chaitra Navratri, a 9-day holy festival of the Hindus. The day is also considered to be a festival of sun according to many, as lord Rama’s dynasty was the descendants of the Sun god. In many Hindu sects, the day begins by prayers of Lord Sun rather than Lord Rama. Devotees believe that Lord Rama is the only one who can save them from the cycle of life and birth, or give them “moksha”.
How is it celebrated?
On this day, the devotees fast or follow a restricted diet as prescribed by the Vedas. Temples are elaborately decorated and readings of Ramayana are done. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Ram’s brother Lakshaman and Lord Hanuman, the most ardent devotee of Lord Rama.
In the morning, prayers are offered to Surya, or sun. At midday, Lord Rama is believed to reincarnate and all day long celebrations begin.
When is it celebrated?
Sri Ram Navami is celebrated on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha, that is, on the 9th day of the Chaitra month, according to the Hindu calendar.
Where is it celebrated?
The festival is celebrated as a grand event in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, which is the birthplace of Lord Rama, and in Rameshawaram, Tamil Nadu. Thousands of ardent devotees take a dip in the holy Saryu River on this day.