April 2025

Ram Navami

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu.

April 2025

Significance

Marks the birth of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, symbolizing the victory of dharma.

The Story Behind

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who descended to Earth to destroy evil and establish dharma. Born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya on the ninth day of Chaitra month, Rama's life exemplifies the perfect son, brother, husband, and king. His story, chronicled in the epic Ramayana, teaches humanity about righteousness, duty, devotion, and moral values. Rama's unwavering commitment to truth and dharma, even in the face of great personal sacrifice, makes him the ideal man (Maryada Purushottam). On this auspicious day, devotees celebrate his divine birth by reading the Ramayana, singing bhajans, fasting, and visiting temples. The festival reminds us to follow the path of righteousness and uphold moral values in our lives.

Traditional Rituals & Observances

Ramayana Path

Devotees gather to recite and listen to the complete Ramayana or selected chapters, especially the Sundara Kanda. The recitation begins nine days before Ram Navami and culminates on the birth day with the reading of the birth chapter (Bal Kanda).

Rama Kalyanam

In South India, the ceremonial wedding of Rama and Sita is enacted in temples with great devotion. Idols are beautifully decorated, and the divine marriage ceremony is performed with Vedic rituals.

Fasting and Prayer

Devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset or consume only fruits and milk. The fast is broken after the midday puja when Rama is believed to have been born. Special prayers and bhajans are sung throughout the day.

Shobha Yatra

Grand processions are taken out with decorated idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Devotees sing devotional songs and chant "Jai Shri Ram" as the procession moves through the streets.