Shri- Ram is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Ramnavami commemorates the birth of Rama who incarnated himself in a human form on this day and took birth in Ayodhya.
WHEN IS RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATED?
Ram Navami falls on the ninth day (navami) of a bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra Sukla paksha right after Vasant Navratri (nine nights of Maa Durga). It usually falls in March or April.
HOW IS RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATED?
This is an occasion for great rejoicing especially for the Vaishnavs who celebrate it with due solemnity all over the country.This festival is celebrated with great devotion all over the country., rath yatras or ‘chariot processions’are organized in temples.
Ayodhya, the birth place of Shri Ram is the focus of grand celebrations. A huge fair is organized for two days. Ratha yatras or ‘chariot processions’ of Rama and his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, are taken out from many temples. Hanuman is worshiped for his unflinching devotion to Rama, and worshiping him is an important part of the Ram navami celebrations.
The public worship starts with morning ablutions, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the god. People keep a fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight with fruit.
In some parts of India, public gatherings called satsangs are organised to commemorate the birth of Rama.People sing bhajan, kirtan in praises of Shri Ram.
Chanting of Ramayan katha(whole ramayan book) is organized at home as well as in temples.Excerpts from the Ramacharitamanas, extolling the glory of Rama are recited for 8 days. On the occasion of Ram navami, prasad is prepared in the morning and flowers and incense are lit up in front of the deities.
The lady of the house applies tikka to all the family members and then with flowers and bells everyone sing aarti in honor of Shri Ram with this the week long paath of Ramacharitamanas comes to an end.Finally, the prasad is distributed and all the family members seek blessings from God.
SHRI RAM AMRIT VANI
What a write up.Gгeat blog, I m going to stick with it! Admire your festival section.
Thanks Sandhu!!
Ruchi, Keep up the good work. Read all your festivals so far and must say you have covered mostly every detail about each festival. Thanks
Regards – Himanshi
Thanks for such kind words Himanshi. Keep checking back as we update our other festivals.
Nice blog and beautifully crafted festival section.
Thanks Katlyn!!