Ram Navami : Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, took human form on the day of Rama Navami and resided in the kingdom of Ayodhya. Divinely similar to Lord Vishnu, he is known as the ‘Ardha Ansh’ of Vishnu.
This festival is celebrated on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of the Hindu lunar month Chaitra. Devotees offer special prayers and worship to Lord Rama on this day and recite the holy Hindu epic Ramayana which tells the story of Lord Rama.
Ram Navami Date and Mahurat
Special processions and cultural programs are also organized on Ram Navami. In some parts of India, this festival is also celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. Ram Navami 2024 will be celebrated on 17 April 2024. And time 11:03 AM – 01:38 PM 02 hours 35 minutes
This day is celebrated on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month (Hindu calendar). According to the Gregorian calendar, this day usually falls between the months of March and April. Ram Navami in 2024 is on 17th April, Wednesday.
Reciting Ram Katha, taking out processions dedicated to Lord Ram, offering prayers in temples and homes are some of the major customs that are followed on this day.
What is Ram Navami?
Ramnavami is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Sri Ramachandra in Ayodhya during Treta Yuga. The Vedic scriptures confirm that Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of his beloved incarnation, known as Ramachandra, who engaged in diverse pastimes that promoted culture, valor, principles, morality, good governance, Gave an example of humility and sacrifice.
The ancient scriptures of India emphasize that Lord Vishnu incarnates in various incarnations to attract devotees and destroy the evil. His activities, known as Leela (Leela), are revered, celebrated and contemplated by his beloved devotees. Rama incarnation, or incarnation, of Lord Vishnu is characterized by such divine pastimes to spread his teachings throughout the country.
Ram Navami marks the appearance of Lord Rama in both human and divine forms and is celebrated with deep reverence and festivity across India, especially in the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, which is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Before Ram Navami, Hindus observe a nine-day fast during Chaitra Navratri, abstaining from alcohol, smoking and consuming sattvic vegetarian food while engaging in prayers and meditation to detoxify the body. On the ninth and final day, Ayodhya and other cities across India adorn themselves like a bright bride, immersed in prayers and festivities. Ram Navami honors every aspect of Lord Ram’s life.
History behind Ram Navami
According to Hindu mythology, it is widely believed that Lord Rama was born on this day in Ayodhya. Some other devotees believe that Lord Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu who came to Ayodhya from heaven as a newborn baby on this day.
How is Ram Navami celebrated?
Ram Navami Starts with Bhajans and kirtans are organized at devotees’ homes or religious places dedicated to Lord Rama. On this day people usually visit temples to seek blessings. In places like Ayodhya, processions are taken out with small idols of Ram placed in cradles.
Most temples organize “Havana” – a ritual involving fire that aims to purify the mind, body and spirit. The priests distribute sweets and fruits as “Prasad” to the devotees. Generally, devotees observe fast throughout the day till midnight. The fast is usually broken by eating sweets and fruits.
Ramlila – a dramatic depiction of Lord Rama defeating Ravana is performed in many parts of the country. The drama is usually performed on an open stage.
Although the festival is celebrated all over the country, major celebrations take place in Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameshwaram and Sitamarhi. Apart from Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are also worshiped on this day.