Ram Navami:Celebration of the Birth of Lord Rama

By Eugene Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

12 April 2011: Throughout India, Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated on 12 April this year. The festival falls in the Shukla Paksha on the on the Navami or the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu Calendar. Thus, it is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami, and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navami celebrations.

 

Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. Lord Rama has been considered as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu out of the ten incarnations (Dashavatara).

 

The great Epic ‘Ramayana’ narrates the story of Lord Rama and is one of the most popular and widely known epics in India and abroad. Most of the Indians know the story of Ramayana irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Lord Rama is a legendary figure, the epitome of all that is good and true, the man who vanquished the demon king Ravana, the ruler of Lanka. Lord Rama is not just a hero, but has been given the status of a god by the Hindus.

 

 

Ram Navami festival has been celebrated throughout India in great devotion and fervor. In some places, especially in northern India, Ram Navami festival  lasts for nine days of the Navaratras. Celebrations of Ram Navami start on Gudi Padwa (Ugadi), the first day of Chaitra, and continue for  nine days. These nine days and nights are marked by the continuous recitals, Akhand Path especially the ‘Ramacharitamanas’ culminating on the Ram Navami day. Bhajans, kirtans, pujas and aartis and distribution of Prasad are common features of this festival. Devotees place the image of infant ram in the cradle and rock it. Temples dedicated to Lord Ram and family shrines are elaborately decorated. Houses are swept clean and pictures of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman are put on a dais in preparation for the puja. Flowers and incense are kept before the deities.

 

Bhajans praising the heroic deeds of Lord Rama, his loyal brother Lakshman and his devoted wife Sita are sung. Many devotees observe  this day by fasting through the day. . The diet of such a person would include potatoes made in any form without haldi (turmeric), garlic, ginger or onion. He can also eat fruit and root vegetables of any kind. Curd, tea, coffee, milk and water are also permitted. Following the fast the devotees feast in the night with elaborate dinner.

 

In many places processions are being organised in which the images of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are taken on decorated vehicles. In many places persons dressed as Lord Rama participate in the processions. Various episodes from Ramayana are also enacted to spread the message of Lord Rama 

 

The highest dignitaries of the nation, President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have extended their greetings to the people on the occasion of Ram Navami, Their message highlights the fact that Lord Rama reinforces the belief that a life of morality is not easy but can be achieved through commitment and compassion. The president hoped that the noble example of love, compassion and humanism of Lord Rama would inspire the people to follow the highest moral and ethical values. Further she said, "Let us strive to spread his message of devotion to duty, due restraint and selfless commitment to the well-being of the people," 

 

The Vice President asked the people to rededicate themselves to the enlightened teachings of Lord Rama for establishing a peaceful and harmonious society.

 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh In his message said that the festival of Ram Navami commemorates the prosperous and righteous reign of Lord Rama-the Maryada Purushottam. He further he hoped that the festival would strengthen people’s faith in the goodness of mankind and inspire one and all to lead a virtuous life.