Rama Navami

Rama Navami is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. It falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Chaitra.

Significance

Rama Navami marks the arrival of the ideal man, who established the rule of Dharma. It is the culmination of the nine-day Vasanta Navaratri (Spring Navaratri) and is celebrated with immense devotion and purity.

Traditions and Rituals

• Reading of Ramayana: Devotees read the 'Ramcharitmanas' or the 'Ramayana' to reflect on the life and teachings of Rama.
• Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs in praise of Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman.
• Panakam and Vadapappu: Especially in South India, a refreshing drink made of jaggery and pepper (Panakam) and soaked moong dal (Vadapappu) are distributed as Prasadam.
• Sita-Rama Kalyanam: Many temples perform a symbolic wedding ceremony between Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
• Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast during the day, breaking it after sunset or after the midnight prayers.

Why Ayodhya is Special

Rama Navami celebrations in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, are particularly grand. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city to take a holy dip in the river Sarayu and visit the Rama temple.

Spiritual Lesson

Rama Navami reminds us that no matter the circumstances, choosing the path of truth and duty (Maryada) leads to ultimate peace and victory.