Sri Ram Navami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Ram

Sri Ram has been the core of most of the Hindu ideologies. He is considered to be the epitome of purity, grace, virtue, courage, compassion, and valour. Rather in many Indian households even today Ramayana is read as a religious text and its teachings are followed with great reverence. Since Ram Navami is the birthday of Sri Ram, it is celebrated with joy and fervour across the country.

According to the Hindu calendar, Ram Navami is celebrated on the 9th day of Chaitra Navaratri which usually comes during late March or in April. This year it is being celebrated on April 17.

Significance of the Ram Navami celebration

Ram Navami represents a celebration of eternal principles of righteousness or dharma and gives confidence that good can win over evil even though the circumstances may not be favourable at the start. The life of Lord Ram is full of sacrifice, performing duties, and living with honour. And these qualities inspire people to uphold moral values and follow the path of dharma.

While Ram Navami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ram, the festivity starts eight days before as in many parts of the country these nine days are also celebrated as Chaitra Navratri. While the devotees of Shakti and Shiva offer prayers and perform puja on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri, those who follow the ideals of Lord Ram in life, celebrate Ram Navami by chanting hymns, bhajans and mantra –Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.

Many people visit Ram or Hanuman temple on Ram Navami where different programs, bhajan, kirtan, and Ram Leela are organized. This year the celebrations will be at the highest level in Ayodhya now that the Ram Lalla temple has been officially inaugurated.

Many devotees of Lord Ram are expected to visit the Ayodhya temple where Ram Navami will be celebrated for the first time after 500 years by putting a Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla's idol.