Bhubaneswar, April 10: A large number of devotees have started thronging to several Ram temples across the state to offer prayers on the holy occasion Ram Navami today.

Ram Navami is one of the biggest Hindu festivals and is celebrated in a number of ways by the devotees. Since, the celebration and visit to temples were banned for the last two years due to the rise of Coronavirus cases, devotees are more excited as temples are open after years. The Ram Mandir at Janpath in the capital city Bhubaneswar is witnessing a large number of devotees queuing up outside to have a glimpse of the deity and have started fasting.

The festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. Lord Ram was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Each year this day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ram. Lord Ram was born during the Madhyahna period which is the middle of Hindu day. The Ram Navami Puja Muhurat is between 11:06 AM and 01:39 PM on April 10, 2022. The Ram Navami Tithi begins at 01:23 AMon April 10, 2022, and ends at 03:15 AM on April 11, 2022.

Devotees celebrate the festival in different ways. Hindus perform the rituals of Kanya Pujan on this day, where 9 girls are invited home and paid respect as Hindus believe that they are the manifestation of Devi. A prasad consisting of sooji halwa, kala chana and puri is also prepared and offered to the girls after the puja ritual.

Some devotees bathe and dress up miniature idols of Rama, lit a lamp in front of the idol, and then place these idols in a cradle to mark his birth while kheer is prepared as an offering to God.

On this day, devotees pray for peace, prosperity, and success and seek divine blessings from Rama. Ram Navami also marks the ninth day of Navratri when devotees celebrate Navami by providing food for the needy.

To make this festival special, some people dress up as Lord Sriram, Laxman, and Goddess Sita. People in many places also arrange ‘Ram Leela’ to make people know about the life of Lord Sriram.

The birthplace of Lord Sri Ram, Ayodhya is all set to celebrate the festival with fervor. Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya to take stock of the preparations for the Ram Navami Mela from the local officers. The city is expected to clock more than 10 Lakhs footfalls this time.