Ram Navami is considered to be one of the most auspicious and important festivals celebrated in India. It is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar.
According to mythological beliefs, on this day, Lord Vishnu was born in the Avatar of Lord Rama in King Dasharatha’s palace. Therefore, Ram Utsav is celebrated with great pomp, joy and show in the country. Devotees celebrate this festival of Ram Navami with their whole family to seek the special grace and blessings of Lord Rama. It is also believed that Goswami Tulsidas started the composition of Ramcharitmanas from this day onwards.
According to the Hindu calendar, the celebration comes on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. This year, 2024, Ram Navami will be celebrated on 17th April.
Ram Navami is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Placing the idol of Lord Rama along with Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman in public pandals and offering prayers, chanting hymns, and presenting popular plays like Ramlila with magnificent dedication are the major attractions of this festival.
To witness this fun-filled event of the year people around the globe love to explore various places to celebrate and enjoy.
There are several marvelous places in India where one can visit, enjoy and experience the best of this vibrant festival. It is believed that devotees who fast on this occasion show a shower of eternal peace and great fortune.
Places To Visit In India During Ram Navami
At these destinations of India, you can experience the best of Ram Navami celebrations and can make your holiday outstanding. Scroll down and simply enjoy the list of best places to celebrate Ram Navami in India.
- Ayodhya – For an Enthusiastic Festive Spirit
- Sitamarhi – Celebration with Zeal And Enthusiasm
- Bhadrachalam – Attend The Cultural Shows
- Rameswaram – Enjoy the Festive Ambiance
- Vontimitta – A Lit Site to Witness Ram Navami
- Shirdi – Experience the Joy and the Fervor
Mythology of Lord Rama
According to the beliefs, Lord Rama was born in the Treta Yuga. He was the eldest son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Lord Rama’s mother was Maa Kaushalya. Lord Rama had three younger brothers named Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Bharata was the son of King Dasharatha and his second wife Kaikeyi. Lakshmana and Shatrughna were the sons of Maa Sumitra, the third wife of King Dasharatha. Lord Rama was born in Punarvasu Nakshatra in Cancer Ascendant. His gurus were Vashistha, Valmiki and Vishwamitra. Lord Rama was married to Mata Janaki, famously known as Sita Mata, who was the daughter of King Janak. When Lord Rama was about to be crowned, King Dasharatha sent him into exile for 14 years, obeying Kaikeyi’s demands. During the period of exile, the demon king Ravana, kidnapped Mata Janaki by deceit. While looking for Mata Sita in exile, Rama met his famous devotee Hanuman. Because of Lord Hanuman, he got associated with Sugriva, the king of the monkeys. With the help of the monkeys, Lord Rama found Mata Sita and fought with the demon Ravana, to kill him and emerge victorious. He returned to Ayodhya after 14 years on the day of Rama Navami and became the king of Ayodhya.
How to Celebrate Ram Navami
The birth anniversary of Lord Rama is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The devotees start the day by worshipping the Surya Dev (Sun God). Then Aarti should be performed in the presence of all the devotees of Lord Rama at 12 o’clock in the day. It is also very beneficial to chant special mantras of Lord Rama throughout the day.
If possible, one should recite the Ram Chalisa or Ramcharitmanas on this day. Many people recite these Ramcharitmanas from the first day of Chaitra Navratri and conclude it on Ram Navami. There is also a law for the devotees who fast to strictly avoid non-vegetarian food and eat only fruits on the day of Ram Navami.
Source: Internet