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. |
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