Ram Navami, a significant Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama, occurs on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, coinciding with the final day of Chaitra Navratri. On this day, Maa Durga and her incarnation Maa Siddhidatri are worshipped.
Date:
In 2024, Chaitra Navratri began on April 9 and will conclude on April 17 with the celebration of Ram Navami.
History:
Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology, was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. He is revered as an embodiment of truth, duty, righteousness, and compassion, known as Maryada Purushottama. Ram Navami celebrates his life and the triumph of good over evil.
The story of Lord Rama is chronicled in Valmiki's Ramayana, an epic dating back to the 8th or 7th century B.C. King Dashrath, desiring an heir, conducted a Yagya, seeking Lord Brahma's blessings. Meanwhile, Ravana, the ruler of Lanka, unleashed chaos, protected by a boon from Lord Brahma.
At the conclusion of the Yagya, a divine figure appeared, giving Dashrath a divine 'payasam' to be shared among his queens. Rama was born to Kausalya, Bharat to Kaikayi, and Laxman and Shatrughna to Sumitra.
Subh Muhurat:
Ram Navami in 2024 falls on Wednesday, April 17. The auspicious period for celebrations is from 11:03 am to 01:38 pm, lasting for 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Ram Navami rituals:
The festival is observed across the nation with fervor. In Ayodhya, Lord Rama's birthplace, festivities include grand aartis, processions, and bhandaras. Devotees from all over come to seek blessings.
Many observe a day-long fast and read scriptures like Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavatam. Lord Rama, along with Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, is worshipped.
