Happy Sri Rama Navami! - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April.
- 2. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world, particularly in India. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja, chant prayers, and participate in processions to mark the occasion.
- 3. The birth of Lord Rama is believed to have taken place in Ayodhya, the ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is said that Lord Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya.
- 4. One of the most famous stories associated with Lord Rama is the epic Ramayana, which narrates his life and adventures. It is believed that Lord Rama was an embodiment of truth, righteousness, and virtue.
- 5. On Sri Rama Navami, devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Rama and offer special prayers. They also recite verses from the Ramayana and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
- 6. Many devotees also observe a fast on Sri Rama Navami as a way of showing their devotion and seeking spiritual purification. The fast is usually broken after the evening puja or at the time of the birth of Lord Rama.
- 7. The festival is also marked by the performance of religious plays, known as Rama Lila, which depict the life and teachings of Lord Rama. These plays are often performed in temples or public spaces and are a way of spreading the message of righteousness and virtue.
- 8. In some parts of India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana, Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with grand processions, where idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman are carried through the streets amidst chanting of hymns and devotional songs.
- 9. The festival is also a time for social gatherings and feasting, where families and friends come together to celebrate and share meals. Special dishes like panakam (a sweet drink made of jaggery and pepper) and kosambari (a salad made of lentils and cucumber) are prepared for the occasion.
- 10. Sri Rama Navami is a time for reflection, prayer, and devotion to Lord Rama. It is believed that by observing the festival with faith and sincerity, devotees can seek the blessings of the Lord and attain spiritual upliftment.