Sri Rama Navami

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of shukla paksha, or bright phase of the moon, in  the Chaitra Month.It is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami It is Celebrated as Birthday of Lord Rama.Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.This festival marks the end of chaitra navratri celebrations.

Legends :

According to the great epic Ramayana, once upon a time there lived a King named Dasarath, then king of Ayodhya, who had three wives named Kaushalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi. As even long after his marriages, Dasarath was not blessed with a child.At this stage, Rishi Vasistha suggests Dasarath to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, through which he can have a desired child. After Performing Puthra Kamesti Yagna as days are going on three queens gave birth to four childs.On the ninth day (Navami) of Chaithra Masa (first month in Hindu calendar), at noon Kaushlya gave birth to Lord Sri Ram, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharath, and Sumithra gave birth to twins, Lakshman and Shatrughan.

Rama was born at noon of the bright ninth day of Chaitra. He was believed to be the embodiment of half degree of Vishnu’s divinity,. His birth is celebrated as Ram Navami, with pomp and geity.

History :

Ram Navami is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated in India. It is said that the date of Ram Navami can be traced back to the pre-christian era, as Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world. The reference of Ramnavami can also be found in the Kalika puran. It is said in the earlier times, when caste system was prevalent in India; Ramnavami was one of the few festivals that the lower castes (shudras) were allowed to celebrate. 

Customs And Traditions :

Pooja :

The Pooja begins with the establishment of the idols or pictures of Lord Rama, Laxmana, Sita and Hanuman. All of these Gods and Goddess are then welcomed by lighting diyas and incense sticks. Then they are worshipped with the auspicious pooja materials like roli, aipun, rice, water, flowers, bell and conch and are also offered scrumptious sweets.After pooja is completed aarti is given to the deites and Prasadam is distributed.

Fast :

Many devotees observe fast on this day.Many of the devotees go for a fast on satvik food i.e. holy food without salt and other adulterated materials. However many of them also observe a waterless fast (nirjal vrat). Those who prefer to have satvik food can have potatoes made in any form without haldi (turmeric), garlic, ginger or onion. Sendha namak (rock salt) is allowed for usage in fast. While on a fast, the person can also eat curd, milk, tea, coffee, fruits and root vegetables. The Ram Navami fast is opened on midnight if one has observed a waterless fast (nirjal vrat).

Bhajans :

Many temples organise Bhajans on this day.It is an important ritual of Ram Navami Pooja. The devotees of Lord Rama make the entire atmosphere pious by singing the bhajans and choupais of Ramcharit Manas. A holy priest narrates the story of Ran Janama (Lord Rama's birth) to all the devotees who observe fast on this day. Continuous chanting of holy mantras and Ramnam (Ram's name) makes the occasion highly religious as well as spiritual.

Celebrations :

The celebrations of Rama Navami start with the worship of Sun God. On the day, people wake up early in the morning, take bath and pay honors to Sun God. Thereafter, they would chant mantras of Lord Rama and offers fruits and flowers to the deity.As a part of the celebrations, people would keep their home clean and decorate it beautifully. In the households where pujas are conducted, the pictures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman are hung.

In many parts of India, satsangs are organized by cultural committees to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama.In temples  Kalyanam' (a ceremonial wedding) is performed by the temple priests. Panakam, a sweet drink prepared by mixing jaggery with ginger and pepper, is a specialty of Ram Navami in southern parts of India. The dish is prepared as a prasad. It is first offered to the deity, and then distributed amongst the devotees.

The Kalyanam performed in the Bhadrachalam Temple, in Andhra Pradesh (Telangana State at present) is very famous.Special prayers are held in ISCKON temples.

On the occasion of Ram Navami, a Rath Yatra or a chariot procession is also taken out in Ayodhya, the birth place of Ram. The Ram Rath Yatra also consists of idols of Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. The Rath Yatra is taken out by many of the temples in the city and is followed with the chanting of Ram Nama ( Rama's holy name) by the devotees.

2016 Date : 15th April.