Ram Navami Celebrations across India

The festival of Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. This Hindu festival falls on April 20 this year and is marked with chanting of mantras that last until noon, the time at which Kausalya gave birth to Rama. Decorations showing images of Lord Rama as an infant are placed on cradles and rocked by devotees as part of the ceremony. Some followers also fast throughout the day and celebrate with a huge feast in the evening.

Lord Rama is most revered for ending the reign of Ravana and returning with Sita to India.  In Northern India, this victory is celebrated by burning an effigy of Ravana with firecrackers, depicting a celebration of good over evil.

Photo Credit: Pramal/ Flickr

Nine Days of Celebration

In some parts of India, the festival celebrations last for nine days. While in Maharashtra it is called Chaitra Navaratri, in South India the festival is known as Vasanthothsava, and is considered by some to be part of the festival of Spring. In other parts of India, a nine day-long discourse on the Ramayana is narrated by skilled story-tellers attracting large crowds. Many followers fast for that period in the name of Rama, seeking to perfect themselves as human beings.

At the Sivananda Ashram, 3 kilometres from Rishikesh, overlooking the sacred Ganges, devotees read the Ramayana and chant Vedic mantras. A sacred fire ceremony is also performed and special teachings are conducted for those who want to learn more about the life of Lord Rama.

Ramanathaswamy Temple. Photo Credit: aupeter100 / Flickr

Love and Devotion

In Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh, the day is also a celebration of Lord Rama’s wedding to Sita; wedding ceremonies for the celestial couple are held in temples throughout the region. Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu is an important pilgrimage for Hindu devotees from all around the world, due to its importance in the Ramayana. Thousands take a holy dip in the sea and offer prayers at the sacred Ramanathaswamy temple. Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh plays host to important Ram Navami celebrations, with chariot processions of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Devotees gather at River Sarayu to take a dip on this religious day. The town also hosts fairs such as Ram Lila and Ram Navami with colourful and fun activities for all ages.

Of course no Indian festival is complete without food, and the sweet drink of Panagam is the highlight for many a feast on this festive day. It is sweetened with jaggery and then spiced with pepper.

Devotees at Ramanathaswamy Temple. Photo Credit: Alyxandco / Flickr

No matter where you are in India, you too can join in the festivities of Ram Navami. With MakeMyTrip, you can book convenient flights, trains and buses to destinations across India.