The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu God Rama, who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month, which is the spring season. Though Rama Navami is a major festival which celebrates birth of Lord Rama, it is widely celebrated by the worshippers of Shiva, too. It is considered auspicious to undertake a fast on the day of Ram Navami, in the name of Rama. The objective of the fast is not to ask for special favors of the deity, but to seek perfection as a human being.
Devotees perform elaborate pujas and chant the name of Rama for whole day. Temples of Rama are specially decorated and satsangs and bhajan sessions are organized in most of the temples, through the day. Discourse on the Ramayana, are recited by a pundit or a professional story-teller on this day. At some places of India, it usually lasts nine days, beginning on Ugadi and ending on Rama Navami. A skilled story-teller who can liven up the event by weaving in contemporary events attracts massive crowds. Thus, people of India celebrate Ram Navami with great joy and devotion.
Since Rama is also one of the most sung-about deities in Indian classical music and literature, week-long (and sometimes, month-long) musical programs are also organized at some places. Sacred places associated with Rama, like Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, draw thousands of devotees on this festival of Ram Navami. In Rameshwaram, people take a ritual bath in the sea before worshipping at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Many places in North India host fairs in connection with the festival, culminating in spectacular fireworks on Rama Navami.
