Rama Navami, also known as Ram Navami, Ramanavami, or Sri Rama Navami, is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. It is observed on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, typically occurring in March or April. Rama, the eldest son of King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya, is revered as the seventh incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Sri Rama Navami is a sacred day marking the appearance of Lord Sri Ramachandra. He is believed to have manifested on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April). This auspicious occasion is observed annually as Sri Rama Navami.
Sri Ramachandra was born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, a ruler from the lineage of Maharaja Ikshvaku, also known as the Raghu dynasty. Despite having three wives—Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra—Dasharatha remained childless. Following the advice of Maharishi Vashishtha, he performed the Putra Kameshti Yajna. As a result, his wives conceived sons: Kaushalya bore Rama, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, and Sumitra had twin sons, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
How Do People Celebrate?
Many Hindus observe Rama Navami by visiting beautifully decorated temples and reciting passages from the Ramayana, a sacred epic. Devotees offer flowers and fruits to Lord Rama and chant his name before his idol, seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In some regions of India, the festival extends for nine days, coinciding with Vasanta Navaratri.
Fasting or following a special diet during the day is common, with a grand feast marking the conclusion of the celebrations. Public gatherings, known as satsangs, are held to honor Rama’s birth. Some festivities include a symbolic wedding ceremony conducted by temple priests, an evening procession of idols accompanied by water and color play, and the preparation of panakam, a sweet drink made from jaggery and pepper.
Ram Navami 2025: Date and Timing
As per the Vedic calendar, in 2025, Ram Navami will be observed on April 6. The Navami Tithi begins on April 5 at 7:26 p.m. The most auspicious time for the puja on April 6 falls between 11:08 a.m. and 1:29 p.m., with the exact moment of Lord Rama’s birth occurring at 12:24 p.m.
