Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival, celebrated every year on the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar) — it falls on April 6 this year. The Hindus celebrate Ram Navami to honor the birth of Lord Rama. Did you know that the Hindus believe that Lord Rama is the supreme God and holds an important place in the hearts of all Hindus living across the world?
History of Ram Navami
Ram Navami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama to the king of Ayodhya, King Dasharatha. It is known that King Dashratha had three queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. The three queens were unable to give birth to a child for a very long time.
King Dashratha performed a sacred ritual known as “Putrakameshti Yagna,” which was suggested by a sage, Vasishtha. In the ritual, the king served ‘payasam’ to all his wives to fulfill his wish of having a child. As a result, the king was blessed with a baby boy on the ninth day of the Hindu month, Chitra. Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Lord Rama, whereas the other queens gave birth to Lakshmana and Bharata.
Ram Navami is one of the five major holidays celebrated by the people belonging to the upper and lower castes in Hindu society. Lord Rama is believed to be the seventh avatar of the Hindu Lord Vishnu. Although this day is declared as a holiday in many Indian states, it is celebrated on different days. The Hindus celebrate this day by going to temples, observing fasts, and seeking Lord Rama’s blessings. This spring festival clearly promotes the idea of the victory of good over evil.
Ram Navami FAQs
How is Ram Navami celebrated at home?
It is celebrated by fasting, either from midnight to noon or from midnight to midnight. It is also celebrated by having one meal in a day.
How did Rama die?
According to the Myanmar version of Rama’s life story, called Thiri Rama, Rama died by drowning himself.
Why was Rama born?
According to the World History Encyclopaedia: “Rama was born at the end of the Second Age or Treta-yuga and he came into the world specifically at the bidding of the gods to deal with the fearsome multi-headed demon Ravana, the king of Lanka (modern Sri Lanka).”
How to Observe Ram Navami
Create miniatures of Lord Rama
On this Hindu festival, you create miniatures of Lord Rama or you can even dress up as Lord Rama to show your love for this festival.
Give food to the needy
You can donate food to the needy on this day. Devotees celebrate this day by giving food to the needy inside or outside the temples.
Perform a ritual called ‘Kanya Puja’
This day is also celebrated by performing the ‘Kanya Puja’ ritual. In this ritual, ‘Prasad’ is distributed amongst girls in the form of halwa and puri (Indian food).
Five Interesting Facts About Ram Navami
Rama is known as the epitome of perfection
Rama is also known as Ramachandra and he is seen as the epitome of perfection, who fulfills all his responsibilities towards his family.
Rama was born at noon
According to legend, it is known that Rama was born at noon in Ayodhya.
Siblings of Rama
Rama had three siblings, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
Rama married Sita
Rama married Sita who was the daughter of the King of Videha.
The story of Rama is written in the Ramayana
The whole story of Rama is written in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian Sanskrit text, which is a part of the Hindu scripture.
Why Ram Navami is Important
The victory of good over evil
The importance of this festival clearly states the triumph of good over evil.
It glorifies the power of religion
Since the birth of Rama had the purpose of defeating the evil spirit of Ravana, the festival of Ram Navami glorifies the power of religion and faith.
It signifies the removal of negativity
Since Rama defeated Ravana and removed evil through good, this celebration also signifies how evil and negativity were removed from the world.
Ram Navami dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 10 | Sunday |
| 2023 | March 30 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 17 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | April 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 27 | Friday |
