The festival of Ram Navami is dedicated to Lord Ram. It is celebrated with immense zeal and enthusiasm throughout India. On this occasion, all the people following the Hindu religion pray and chant the name of Lord Ram. Even Hindus who are living outside Indian observe this day as an auspicious and festive occasion. Pooja is organized in several temples and the devotees of Lord Ram immerse themselves completely in the colors of his devotion. They narrate and listen to the legends of Ram, chant his name, recite sholkas and mantras associated with him and dance to the tunes of Ram bhajans.
When is Rama Navami
Though the festival is celebrated in a grand manner everywhere in the country, the Ramnavami festival at Ayodhya, the birth place of Shree Ram is celebrated with extreme zeal and enthusiasm. Every year on Ramnavami, people of Ayodhya take out a chariot procession (Rath Yatra) in order to commemorate the existence of the almighty on earth. On the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month of a Hindu calender) when Lord Rama was born, Hindus all over the world celebrate this festival. The date of Ramnavami is decided according to the Hindu lunar calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, the month of Chaitra corresponds to the month of March-April.
On Ramnavami, the celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. A special prayer is arranged for the midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born. Throughout the day, couplets of Ramayana and Ramscharit Manas are narrated in the temples. People sing bhajans, chant the Ramnam (name of Ram), and seek the blessings of the almighty. Many of the devotees also observe a whole day fast on this occasion.
In north India, especially in Ayodhya, the devotees of Lord Rama take out Ramnavami procession. This procession consists of a merrily decorated chariot with four persons dressed up as Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman. The chariot is accompanied by thousands of Ram devotees. They move with the procession of Ram and Sita throughout the city and chant the name of Shree Ram with great vigor and enthusiasm. The entire procession is a gusty affair with all the devotees echoing the happy days of Rama's reign.
Ram Navami Date
Ram Navami 2010 will be celebrated on 24th of March (Wednesday)
