Rama Navami, why we celebrate this Hindu festival

By AYC
Updated April 17, 2024 | 3 min read

Introduction

pays tribute to it is the vibrant Hindu celebration. The seventh incarnation of Vishnu and the perfect king. Honored on the ninth day of Chaitra (March–April), it falls in line with the coming of spring. The epic tale of Rama's life, the Ramayana, is read aloud by devotees. Hymns, prayers, and even cribs for newborn Rama resound in temples. The joyful mood is enhanced by chariot processions featuring Hanuman and other associates of Rama. It's a time for introspection, honoring the divinity in human form, and embracing Rama's values like courage and devotion.

The celebration of Rama Navami honors the birth of Lord Rama, a princely figure respected for his virtue. The Ramayana states that King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya were the parents of Rama. The king conducted a unique ceremony because he wanted an heir. A pot of rice and milk was offered by a heavenly figure that had appeared out of the fire. After the monarch gave it to his women, Rama and his brothers were born.

celebration

's celebration of Rama Navami is bursting with local flavours. Large-scale festivities enliven places such as Ayodhya and Rameswaram, the sacred pilgrimage destination and birthplace of Rama. Adherents immerse themselves in the epic poem Ramayana, as colorful chariot processions adorned with statues of Rama, his spouse Sita, obedient sibling Lakshmana, and dedicated monkey deity Hanuman wind through the streets. For good fortune, some societies even worship the sun god Surya. The spirit lives on in Karnataka, well beyond temples. While Bengaluru bursts into a month-long celebration of classical music celebrating Rama, local groups hand out free and drink. Rama Navami is the first step towards the preparations for the chariot celebrations that happen later in the summer in eastern states like Odisha. Rama Navami is a day of fasting and introspection for some devotees, particularly those connected to ISKCON.

Surya Tilak on Ram Navami

An extraordinary mechanism has been installed in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India, in a marvel of and religion. Every Ram Navami, this technique directs sunlight onto the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol for a short while using mirrors and lenses! Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Rama on this unique occasion.

Literature

It's appropriate to explore Rama's narrative during Rama Navami. The epic story of his travels, the Ramayana, is read or listened to by devotees. Some people read the entire Ramayana in a single week! During this event, another popular version of the story, Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, is also performed. This is the moment to really delve into the teachings and life of Rama.

Outside of India

Joyous Rama Navami spreads over the world! There is more to this Indian holiday than just celebrating Lord Rama's birth at home. The custom is continued by those with Indian ancestry in , Trinidad & Tobago, and even Fiji. who were brought here as indentured servants during the colonial era preserve the by repeating devotional songs and the epic Ramayana. Bright celebrations in distant homes and temples serve as a bridge that unites people to their cultural across vast distances.

By AYC