Ram Navami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Rama. It usually falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha Navami of a Hindu lunar year (usually in March or April), and celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Ravana. In this article we will explore 6 Best Ram Navami Celebration In India. The story of Rama was first written by Valmiki around the 4th century BCE. The Ramayana is an epic about the life of Lord Rama, and is believed to have been written in the 8th or 7th century BCE.
Ramnavami is coming soon and people will celebrate by chanting “Jai Shri Ram” the whole day. It is a very important Hindu festival, and it is one of the most popular festivals among tourists visiting India. It occurs on the ninth date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month.
Ramnavami is a day of great joy and celebration. People decorate public pandals with images of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana and his friend Hanuman, and they sing bhajans (spiritual songs) with great devotion. It is a favorite festival of people all over the world, as it is a chance to enjoy the festivities at various beautiful places in India. It is believed that fasting on this day brings you peace and good fortune in future.
Jai Shri Ram Story of Birth
Kosala country was situated on the banks of river Sharayu. Ayodhya was the capital established by King Rishi Manu. During the reign of King Dasharatha, Ayodhya reached a period of great prosperity. But Dasharatha had a big problem, he had no children. So he decided to perform a yagya known as “Ashwamedha”, or horse-sacrifice. Elaborative and difficult rituals had to be followed. An extremely pious man, sage Rishyasringa, was chosen to perform the yagya with utmost precision. The performance of this sacrifice was a great event in Ayodhya.
At last Rishyasringa recited a mantra and offered sacrifice to Agni. Then the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas and the present sages started praying to Brahma.
At that time, King Ravana of Lanka was terrorizing the people, and everyone was looking for freedom from his danger. Ravana had attained great power because he had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he would never die at the hands of the gods, or the Gandharvas, or the Yakshas (deities) or the demons. As he was not afraid of men, he did not care to include men in his list of potential murderers.
So Brahmadev announced that Ravana would die at the hands of a man. Then the gods went to Vishnu with this request, “Dasaratha is a glorious king. Please, take birth in the womb of his three queens in four different degrees of your divinity.
When Dasharatha’s yagya ended a luminous figure appeared over the sacrificial pond, and offered a divine drink called “Payasam” to the king to give to his queens Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. In due time, Kaushalya gave birth to Ram, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharat and Sumitra gave birth to Lakshman and Shatrughan. Jai Shree Ram was born in the afternoon on the Navami of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra. He was considered to be the incarnation of half the degree of divinity of Vishnu, (Ardha Aunsha).
Why Do We Celebrate Ram Navami?
Ramnavami is celebrated since the time of Lord Ram. Hindus have been celebrating Ram Navami since ages and no historical records have been kept to count the exact years of the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. However, according to Vedic time, Lord Rama was born about a lakh years ago in Treta Yuga.
Ramnavami is considered one of the five most important Hindu festivals as it marks the birth anniversary of the Hindu god, Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya. Lord Rama is considered to be the seventh incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. On this auspicious day, devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu recite the Rama Katha as well as verses from sacred Hindu scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana.
It is a popular belief among devotees that performing puja on the festival of Ramnavami brings divine power into one’s life and also removes bad influences or negative energy from the earth. People celebrate Ramnavami in different ways, some devotees prefer to visit temples, yet some pray from their homes, bhajans and kirtans are sung, religious offerings like sweets and fruits are offered in temples, Even elaborate pujas are performed in the name of Rama.
Lord Shri Ram and Lord Vishnu but the intention is the same, to celebrate Lord Jai Shri Ram and show devotion to welcome positive energy in their life.
Ram Navami Devta | Rama Navami Deity(s)
Lord Shri Ram is the main deity worshiped during Ramnavmi. Along with Lord Jai Shree Ram, Lord Ram’s mother i.e. Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram’s father i.e. King Dasharatha, Lord Jai Shree Ram’s wife i.e. Goddess Sita, Lord Shri Ram’s three younger brothers i.e. Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughan and Lord Jai Shree Ram’s powerful Devotee Ram i.e. devotee Hanuman is also worshiped on the holy day of Ramnavami.
Rama Navmi Observance
- One day fasting
- Worship of Lord Shri Ram
- Listen or recite the epic Ramayana or Naam Ramayanam
- Formal marriage of Lord Shri Ram and Goddess Sita completed
- Taking out Ram Navami procession
- Organizing Havan i.e. Homa before breaking the fast the next day.
Ramnavmi Regional Tour
Ramnavami is a very important day and it is celebrated all over India.
Ram Navami in Uttar Pradesh
During Ramnavmi, Ayodhya is the most important place to celebrate the birthday of Lord Rama. Thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the Saryu river before visiting the famous Kanak Bhawan temple in Ayodhya. Being the birthplace of Lord Jai Shree Ram, Ayodhya on Ram Navami is what Mathura is on Krishna Janmashtami.
Ram Navami in Andhra Pradesh
Tirumala Temple celebrates Rama Navami with great enthusiasm. The administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) organizes religious events at Sri Rama Asthanam on the most important day of Ramnavami.
Ram Navami in Telangana
Bhadrachalam Temple in Telangana is dedicated to Lord Jai Shri Ram and Goddess Sita. On their wedding anniversary, which is celebrated every year on the auspicious day of Ramnavami, there is a festival called Sri Ramnavami Kalyanam. It is a very special event which is attended by many people.
Ram Navami in Tamil Nadu
During Kalyanotsavam, a special ceremony celebrating the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is held. The deities are taken through the streets in a procession, which is a way of showing their appreciation for all the love and devotion shown by the people.
Ramnavami is a special day in South Indian temples where a dish called Panakam is prepared. Panakam is a sweet liquid made from ginger, jaggery, black pepper and cardamom. Panakam is known as a natural body coolant and is served like Ganga water to devotees in North Indian temples.
Ram Navami in ISKCON
Rama Navami is a very important day for ISKCON temples, and temples usually celebrate it by holding special events. An example is when the temple participants walk in procession with Lord Shri Ram and Goddess Sita, who are both incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Another event is when people perform a special prayer called Abhishek in honor of Lord Jai Shree Ram. And finally, some temples also perform a ceremony called Homa in honor of Lord Rama.
Best Ram Navami Celebration in India
If you are looking for a holiday to enjoy in India, look no further than Ram Navmi. This festival celebrated in India is full of pomp and grandeur, and you can witness it in some of the best places in the country. Check out the list below and make sure to visit these places to enjoy an exciting Ramnavami celebration!
- Bhadrachalam — Participate in cultural programs
- Rameshwaram — Enjoy the festive atmosphere
- Vontimitta – A sparkling place to witness Ram Navami
- Shirdi — Experience joy and excitement
- Ayodhya — for a spirited festive spirit
- Sitamarhi – Celebration with enthusiasm and excitement
Bhadrachalam Sitarama Kalyanam, Telangana
Bhadrachalam is a small town in Telangana in the south of India, famous for the 17th century Sita Ramachandraswami Temple. It is also known as Dakshin Ayodhya, because it is believed that Lord Ram was married here on the banks of river Godavari. In Bhadrachalam, followers of Lord Rama celebrate this day as ‘Sitarama Kalyanam’ to commemorate the anniversary of his marriage with Goddess Sita.
Bhadrachalam is known as the “City of Lights” due to the celebrations that take place during the nine-day Navami festival. This is the day on which the marriage of Ram and Sita takes place, and it is a very popular event in the city. The temple is illuminated and creates a beautiful sight as devotees arrive to participate in the ceremony. It is a very special day for the residents of Bhadrachalam, and it is also a popular tourist destination.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is revered as one of the holiest cities in India, and is particularly associated with the Ramayana. On the eve of Ramnavami festival, Sri Kothandaramaswami Temple in Rameshwaram becomes a beautiful sight to see. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Rameshwaram is the place where Vanarasena built the floating bridge – “Ram Setu”, which helped Lord Rama reach Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. .
Rameshwaram Temple is a popular place of worship for devotees of Lord Rama. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and the wedding ceremony of Rama and Sita is presented here. Many devotees attend the marriage ceremony and immerse themselves in spirituality while chanting the name of Lord Shri Ram. One can also visit the famous Rameshwaram temple and take blessings of the almighty. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Ram worshiped Lord Shiva to wash away the sin of killing Ravana.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple Vontimitta, Andhra Pradesh
Vontimitta is a small town in Andhra Pradesh which celebrates Ram Navmi with great enthusiasm. Famous for its 450 year old Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, which was built by two robbers Vontudu and Mittudu who were turned into stone after building the temple, the city’s Rama Navami celebrations can be witnessed at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple.
Ram Navami festival is celebrated annually at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam temple in India. The nine-day event includes the marriage ceremony of Lord Shri Ram and Goddess Sita along with a lot of cultural activities. As a result, devotees from all over India come to enjoy the festival.
Also Read: Baisakhi Festival Of Punjab | Remarkable Vaisakhi 1699 Birth Khalsa
Ram Navmi Shirdi, Maharashtra
Shirdi is known for its annual festivals, including Guru Purnima, Vijayadashami and Rama Navami. On the eve of Ramnavami, Shirdi becomes especially festive. From palaces to markets, all places in Shirdi are decorated with lights and flags to enhance the spiritual essence of the holiday. Ram Navami celebrations continue in Shirdi with various festivities including changing of the flag at Dwarakamai temple, changing of new sack of wheat, and much more!
Ramnavmi is the main festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Jai Shri Ram, while Shirdi is revered by devotees for the saintly figure of the Baba. The festivities continue for three days, with palanquins being a major attraction. Many divine displays are planned throughout the day and night as well as the consecration of Sai Baba, which attracts a large number of tourists from many regions of India.
Ram Navami in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya is a city that is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Ram, and it celebrates Jai Shri Ram’s birthday with great pomp every year. During Ramnavmi, a steady stream of music, accompanied by drums, is heard throughout the city in celebration of the festival. Temples, houses and shops are illuminated with lamps and candles, making for an impressive sight. Additionally, grand pandals are made during Ramnavami celebrations.
Ayodhya is home to an annual fair where a grand procession is held, complete with colorful flags and chants of “Jai Shri Ram!” In Ayodhya, people also perform martial arts along with music and drums to symbolize the happiness of Ram Navami. Ramlila, a theatrical presentation depicting the life of Lord Shri Ram and his fight against Ravana is also performed here annually. Ayodhya is undoubtedly one of the best places in India to visit and celebrate Ram Navami celebrations.
Ram Navmi in Sitamarhi, Bihar
Sitamarhi is a popular destination to celebrate Ram Navami in Bihar. The city is home to the Janaki Temple, where Goddess Sita is worshiped as the presiding deity. During Ramnavmi thousands of devotees come to Sitamarhi to see the beauty of the temple and celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm.
In Sitamarhi, Ram Navami festival is a time of celebration and religious devotion. Families come from all over India to participate in the rituals and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Small fairs held during the festival add to the joy and beauty of this special day.
Also Read: What Is The History Of Holi? | Amazing 2 Holi Special Food Items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 When is Ram Navami 2024?
Ans: Wed, 17 Apr, 2024
Q2 Where is Ram Navami celebrated?
Ans: Major cities celebrate major festivals based on the legends of Ramayana about the life of Rama. These include Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), Bhadrachalam (Telangana) and Sitamarhi (Bihar).
Q3 Why is Ram Navmi celebrated twice?
Ans: This festival celebrates the descent of Vishnu as Rama avatar through the birth of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya, Kosala. This festival is a part of Chaitra Navratri in the spring season, and falls on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the first month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar.
Q4 Do South Indians celebrate Ram Navami?
Ans: In Karnataka, Rama Navami is observed by local mandalis (organizations) and streets by giving away free panakam (a jaggery drink) and food. Furthermore, in Bengaluru, in the state of Karnataka, the Sree Ramaseva Mandali, R.C.T (R.) Chamrajpet, hosts India’s most prominent month-long classical music festival.
Q5 Why is Ram Navami special?
Ans: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated during the time of March-April (the 9th day of the first month of the Hindu calendar).
Also Read: What Is Shivratri Celebrated For… | 5 Powerful Maha Shivratri Mantra
Conclusion: Ramnavami is a beautiful holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. You should plan to visit any of the places mentioned here in India. Apart from this, there are many other places to celebrate Ram Navami in India! So, choose your favorite destination and have a wonderful time celebrating the dynamic festival and filling your soul with joy. No matter where you go, you will have a unique experience that will enhance your trip and make the celebration a wonderful picture.
