Ram Navmi: Birthday of Lord Ram
Hindus all over the world will be celebrating Ram Navmi , the birthday of Lord Ram. The day is the ninth and last day of Chaitra Navaratri . Ram Navmi is celebration of the arrival of Vishnu’s 7th avatar, God Rama. Rama’s father was King Dasaratha of Ayodhya who belong to Sun Dynasty and his mother was Queen Kausalya. Rama was born at the end of the Second Age or Treta-yuga. It is said that he came into the world specifically at the bidding of the gods to deal with the multi-headed demon Ravana, the king of Lanka.
Date: Ninth day of Chaitra Month of Hindu Calendar (Chaitra Shukla Paksha)
Significance: Birthday of Lord Ram
Observances: Puja and Fasting
Celebrations: Last day of Chaitra Navratri
How is Ram Navmi Celebrated?
Ram Navmi is marked by the devotees with puja and recitation of bhajans and kirtan, by fasting and reading passages about Rama’s life. The special cities associated with the life of Lord Ram and are also mentioned in the Ramayana legends observe major celebrations. These include Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu , Bhadrachalam in Telangana and Sitamarhi in Bihar. At some places Rath-yatras that are chariot processions are organised. And at some places the wedding anniversary festival that is Kalyanotsavam of Rama and Sita is celebrated.
Some Vaishnava Hindus observe the festival in temples and people also observe it within their homes. Surya , the Hindu sun god, is a part of the worship and some devotees also worship Sun God. Some Vaishnava communities observe all nine days of Chaitra Navaratri remembering Rama, and readiing the Ramayana is an everyday ritual. Some devotees and as well Vaishnava organisation organise charitable events to help those in need and community meals are also organized. For the devotees this festival is an occasion for moral reflection.
For Hindus lord Ram along with a historical figure, is the most virtuous hero from Hindu mythology. Lord Ram, his wife Sita, are a picture of purity and marital devotion. Further, the adventures of Rama illustrate the importance and rewards of fulfilling one’s pious duty or dharma.
In art Rama is always youthful and typically has green or blue skin, holds a bow and arrows, and wears a yellow robe. He is most often seen with Sita, Laksmana, and Hanuman – collectively known as Rama’s family or Rama Parivara.
