RAM NAVAMI 2021
Rama Navami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the Hindu God Lord Rama ,the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival falls in the Shukla Paksha (brighter half) of the Chaitra month. As such, it coincides with the Gregorian months of March-April every year. This year, it will be celebrated on April 21, 2021, which is a Wednesday.
The day is particularly significant to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. On this day, people listen to recitals of the Ram katha, or stories from Lord Ram’s childhood. Some devotees bathe and dress up miniature idols of Lord Rama and place them in a cradle to mark his birth. A lamp is lit in front of the idol and kheer is prepared as an offering to God. The day stands for positivity, prosperity and hope. People dress up Lord Ram idols with all the finery and jewels.
Special cities in the Ramayana legends about Rama's life observe major celebrations.These include Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Bhadrachalam (Telangana) and Sitamarhi (Bihar).
In Ayodhya, a huge fair is organised for two days.On this day, Ayodhya is decked up with lights and devotees visit the temple. People come to Ayodhya from far and wide. They usually take a holy dip in the river Sarayu river before visiting the Ram temple.
In South India, Ram Navami is celebrated with great fervor for nine days. Talented storytellers narrate episodes from Ram Charit Manas. It is believed that listening to the stories of the divine Lord will lead to salvation. People chant the name of Lord Rama and observe fast on this day.Lord Rama after defeating Ravana, performed some rituals at Rameshwaram in order to thank Lord Shiva. Therefore, Rameshwaram is a coveted destination for Hindus on the occasion of RamNavami.
In Bhadrachalam the mega religious event was celebrated in a simple manner inside the temple complex, , the authorities have mooted a grand celebration of the “celestial wedding” as per the temple traditions.
In Sitamarhi, Ram Navami is celebrated with a large fair held to mark the occasion.
Lord Ram is everywhere known as an ideal figure who stands for truth, justice and humility. Every year Ram Navami reminds us of the glory of our past.