Ram Navami festival falls on the Navami of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. In 2024, it will be celebrated on 17 april. This day also marks the end of Chaitra Navratra. Lord Ram was born on this day according to Hindu scriptures. Thus, devotees celebrate the birthday of Lord Ram in the form of Ram Navami with full enthusiasm and devotion. People visit holy places and take bath in holy rivers on this day.
Rituals to worship Lord Ram
Ram Navami puja is an important ritual for the devotees of Lord Ram. People take bath early in the morning and observe fast in devotion of Lord Ram. Lord Ram’s bhajan and prayers are sung throughout the day in the temples along with story reciting. After that Bhandaras are organized and prasad is distributed among all the devotees present at the temple. The life of Lord Ram was dedicated to the welfare of humanity and is remembered for his prosperous and righteous reign. Devotees feel more attached to the lord after listening to his stories and celebrate the festival with joy and happiness.
Birth story of Lord Ram
In the era of Tritya Yuga, King of Lanka Ravana, was terrorizing people by spreading his fear and wrath on earth. Lord Vishnu took birth on earth in the manifestation of Lord Rama to kill Ravana and spread humanity. Rama was born to the king Dasaratha on the bright ninth day of Chaitra Shukla. After the birth of Lord Rama, the environment on earth became pleasant and joyful. He took birth in the Tretya Yuga to destroy demons on earth and make it a safe place to live. Therefore, he is also known as Raghukul Nandan.
Significance of Ramnavami
Ramnavami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama. It is an important festival of Hindus. This day also marks the end of goddess Durga’s nine days of Navratra. It is evident from this fact that Lord Rama worshipped goddess Durga before his war with Ravana and got victory in it. This is the reason that both the important festivals are celebrated at one time thereby increasing its significance. It is also said that Goswami Tulsidas started composing his text, “Ramcharitramanas” on the same day.
The fast observed on Ram Navami is said to destroy the evil and provides fruitful results to the devotee. Special pujas and bhajans are organized in devotion of Lord Ram. It is celebrated around the world with great zeal and enthusiasm. Devotees observe fasts and chant lord Ram’s name throughout the day. Ayodhya is the focus of great celebrations as it is the birthplace of Lord Rama. People take bath in the holy river Saryu to get lord Rama’s blessings.