Ramnavami: Birhday of Lord Ram
Ram Navami is very auspicious day for Hindus and an important Hindu festival. This festival is specially celebrated in north India. Lord Ram took birth on earth as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Son of King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya, Lord Ram was the epitome of pure living according to the religion. He performed every duty on this earth with great devotion and was the embodiment of truth and morality; he was the ideal son, ideal husband, and ideal king and also saved earth from the cruelties of various demons including Ravana. Ramayana is the holy epic where tales from life of Lord Ram are told from ancient times. Devotees of Lord Ram love to tell and hear Ramayana with great devotion.
Date of Ram Navami:
Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day, which is called Navami, of month of Chaitra. This day falls in the month of March or April. Ram Navami marks the end of nine day long festival called Vasantha Navratri or Chaitra Navratri. Devotees observe fasts for nine days starting from the first day of the Chaitra. It is like Navratri fasts in the month of Aswin.
Ram Navami celebration:
Like all other Hindu festivals, Ram Navami is also celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. All the Temples devoted to Lord Ram are decorated and idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita (Wife of Lord Ram) and Lakshman (Lord Ram’s Brother) are adorned with finest costume and jewelry.
Devotees stay awakened a night before Ram Navami and chant prayers to worship Lord Ram. Devotees read chapters from Ramayana and sing devotional songs. It is believed that time of birth of Lord Ram is at noon on ram Navami day. Actual celebrations start in the noon. Idol of Infant Lord Ram is cradled and decorated. All this happens amidst the loud and holy chanting prayers, mantras and temple bells. Devotees are given pious water to drink and Prasad which is made up of sweets and fruits. Staunch devotees observe a fast on this day to seek blessings of Lord Ram. There is community lunch in most of the temples to celebrate this occasion.
