Rama Navami in India

Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, a revered deity and the seventh avatar of Vishnu according to ancient Indian scriptures. The occasion falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which typically corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar.

History

The festival celebrates the arrival of divine prince Rama, born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya, as depicted in the epic Ramayana. Rama is considered a symbol of virtue and righteousness, and his life story is central to Hindu ethos.

Traditions

On Rama Navami, devotees observe fasts and perform ritualistic worship called puja. Temples dedicated to Lord Rama are elaborately decorated, and recitations of Rama Katha (stories from Ramayana) or chanting of Rama Raksha Stotra are common practices.

• Idols: Small idols of infant Rama are rocked in cradles to replicate his birth.
• Bhajans: Devotional songs (bhajans) and dances are performed.
• Charity: Acts of charity include donations to the poor and feeding them.
• Processions: In some places, processions with people dressed as characters from Ramayana are held.

What People Do

People visit temples or set up prayer altars at home with images or idols of Lord Rama. The faithful engage in reading sacred texts like Ramayana or perform kirtan (singing devotional songs). Community meals called 'panakam' (a sweet drink) and 'kosambari' (a type of salad) are often shared among participants after worship.

In Ayodhya, which is believed to be Lord Rama's birthplace, thousands gather for grand celebrations. Similarly, other prominent temples associated with Lord Rama witness large gatherings for special ceremonies on this day.