The Hindu festival of Ram Navami, also known as Sri Ram Navami, Ramnavami, and Rama Navami, commemorates the birth of Lord Rama. This day, which falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha, is cherished in many states with great fervour and devotion. Mostly because it is believed to be Lord Rama’s birth anniversary. Rama is said to have been born on this particular date in the kingdom of Ayodhya to King Dashrath of the Ikshvaku dynasty and Queen Kausalya as the seventh incarnation of God Vishnu, also known as the saviour of the world of Dharma. You’ve come to the right page if you want to learn everything there is to know about the Ram Navami celebration.

The history behind Ram Navami Celebration

The Ram Navami celebration, which dates back to 5114 BC, is one of the oldest Hindu holidays. Given that Hinduism is one of the oldest religions still practised today, it is unknown when Lord Rama was born, but if it can be determined, it was earlier than the birth of Christianity. There is mention of the Ram Navami celebration in the Kalika Purana, one of the oldest religious texts in existence. The Ram Navami celebration is one of the festivals that is celebrated even by lower caste, according to the Purana, which makes this apparent. Lord Rama’s life is like a lesson in obedience, faith, honesty, bravery, and loyalty, and the story behind his birth is pretty fascinating.

Raja Dashrath, the king of Ayodhya, was happily married to his three wives, Sumitra, Kaikeyi, and Kausalya. Even after years of marriage, he was unable to have a male child to continue his realm and succession. In desperate need of a male child, the king sought advice from his Guru on how to perform a sacred ceremony known as Putra Yagna that would bear him offspring. So a sacred ceremony was performed, and during the puja, the Maharishi presented the king with a bowl of Payasam and asked him to divide it equally among his wives. The king the portion in half and gave one half to his eldest wife, Kausalya and the other half to his beloved wife, Kaikeyi; the two wives decided to split the portion in half and give half to his third wife, Sumitra. Because of this distribution, Kausalya and Kaikeyi each had one child, whereas Sumitra had twins.

The birth of Lord Rama brought joy and delight to the entire kingdom of Ayodhya, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief and thanked God for the miracle that had been bestowed upon their ruler. None, however, was aware that the God Vishnu, in the shape of Ram, Kausalya’s son, was there among them. The epic Ramayana, a prehistoric book by the Sanskrit poet Valmiki on the life of Lord Rama, makes it abundantly apparent that Lord Rama was the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who came to earth to restore humanity to its former glory, destroy evil, and guard the innocent. Rama’s execution of Ravana, the dreadful demon king of Lanka, and his army during his adult life, along with a number of other extraordinary deeds, displayed to the public his divine status. People in Ayodhya apparently started celebrating Rama’s birthday when he became king because they had such strong trust in their almighty king. Since that time, people in India have celebrated Lord Rama’s birthday with great joy and devotion. The Rama Navami celebration is highly entertaining to observe because plays, bhajans, and Yagnas are held in several places.

Significance

The Ram Navami celebration announces the arrival of a living god upon the planet. It was the day that Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya, gave birth to Lord Vishnu, his eldest son. The followers of Lord Rama carry out extensive ceremonies on this day. Lord Shri Rama was born with the intention of exterminating Ravana’s evil spirit. As a result, the Ram Navami celebration expresses the power that religion has and symbolizes the conflict that exists between good and evil. The Ram Navami festival marks the destruction of evil and the rise of godly power on our planet. Lord Vishnu took birth as Lord Rama to kill demons, preach dharma, and make the world a good place to live on. 

There is a widespread notion among devotees that by participating in the Ramnavami festival and reciting prayers, one can both attract heavenly power into their lives and drive out evil spirits or negative energy from the world. People observe the Rama Navami celebration in a variety of ways; some prefer to visit temples, while others prefer to pray in their own homes. Bhajans and Kirtans are performed, and big Yagnas and Pujas are performed in the names of Lord Rama and God Vishnu. However, the goal is always the same: to worship Lord Rama and learn him for his deeds, sacrifices, and struggle to become a better human. 

Ram Navami Celebration in 2023

Hindus celebrate the festival of Navratri with great enthusiasm every year. This year’s celebration started on the 22nd of March and will end on the 30th of March, coinciding with the joyous event of Ram Navami. It occurs on the ninth day of the Chaitra month, Shukla Paksha Navami (which is the first month in our Hindu calendar). This day celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, who is thought to be the 7th manifestation of God Vishnu. The title of “Maryada Purshottam Ram” comes from the activities and deeds of Lord Rama, whose life was not easy. The Ram Navmi Celebration is not just a day to celebrate the birth of our heavenly god but also a time to reflect on why he had to live a hard and challenging life. God wanted us to understand that we should always take the right path since dharma is the source of salvation and is the reason for living.

Auspicious Time or Shubh Muhurat for Ram Navami Celebration

In the afternoon of that auspicious day, or during the Madhyanha time, God Vishnu incarnates as Lord Rama. According to the ancient scriptures, pujas and Yagnas should be performed in the Madhyanha or the early afternoon, which is known as Six Ghatis. The birth of Shri Rama is commemorated at the end of the first half of the day, and temples offer Puja and bhajan for Lord Rama’s birthday. And is during this time that Shri Rama chanting and celebrations reach their maximum. Therefore, for the majority of Indian cities, Lord Rama’s birthday celebration in 2023 took place between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Observance

Ram Navami happens to be one of the main Hindu holidays that is enthusiastically and heartily celebrated in India. On this day, King Dashrath and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya celebrated the birth of Lord Rama, their eldest son. Lord Rama, also known as Maryada Purshottam Ram, is honoured today for establishing ram rajya in his realm and is regarded as an exemplary follower of the Dharma. The Ram Navami celebration takes place in these three manners:

• Kanya Puja Ritual: On the auspicious day of Ram Navami, a lot of Hindus engage in Kanya Puja or the worship of girls. Nine girls who still haven’t reached puberty are called to their homes and given prasad, which mostly includes halwa and puri, in accordance with tradition. Shakti, the divine energy of creation, has always been associated with feminine strength in Hinduism and Vedanta. One of the most highly regarded works in Hinduism is kanya pujan. Although knowledge, riches, and strength are all attributes of women, Lord Rama and Devi Sita are impressed when these virtues are worshipped during the Ram Navami celebration.

• Recitation of Ramayana and His Stories: People would read the Ramayana as well as other Vedic tales on this day that highlight the glory of Lord Rama in a variety of situations in temples and even at homes. Many followers also participate in the bhakti rasa of kirtans and bhajans. Aartis and puja rites are performed at temples, where a large number of devotees gather in the evening. Rama Navami celebration is a festival that highlights the role of consciousness and subconscious through the deeds of Lord Rama. As a result, individuals participate in charity ceremonies and events that are held on this holy day. On this day, a lot of people also practice fasting.

• Bathing the Idols of Lord Rama: Unquestionably, one of the largest Hindu holidays is Ram Navami. The country’s entire atmosphere changes for the better when this celebratory occasion starts. During Ram Navami, a large number of believers bathe, decorate, and arrange miniature statues of Lord Rama in cradles to symbolize his holy birth on Earth. Lord Rama is worshipped alongside his wife, Devi Sita, his brother Lord Laxman, and his most devoted devotee, Lord Hanuman. They decorate these idols and hold specific pujas to invoke blessings and the ability to drive off all ill energy from their surroundings.

Ram Navami Celebration: 10 Delicious Dishes to Try

Every festival is celebrated with extraordinary zeal and devotion in India, along with a full meal that is stuffed with sweets, savoury foods, and spices. The festival of Ram Navami is no different. Every mother begins making a variety of mouth-watering delicacies similar to them on her son’s birthday. And fathers are occupied with adorning their homes and making the required preparations as though it were their son’s birthday. And a beautiful day indeed. And to celebrate this lovely day, we’re sharing with you 10 delectable foods you may prepare for the Ram Navami celebration. 

• Kheer: In Hinduism, kheer is regarded as a sacred offering. And who doesn’t appreciate a bowl of warm kheer with chopped almonds and raisins on top? This recipe, which requires just a few simple ingredients, is not only quick to prepare but also delicious and filling. You’ll need pure milk, sugar, dry fruits, and rice to make this recipe. That’s it, indeed. After the Puja and yagnas are over, it is typically offered as Prasad. Prepare a bowl of this delectable treat to enjoy during the Ram Navami celebration and satiate your sweet tooth.

• Coconut Ladoo: Without ladoos, an Indian festivity would be incomplete. Every Indian greatly enjoys ladoo, not just during the holiday seasons but also on regular days. We also encourage you to try Coconut ladoos during this Ram Navami celebration. A dish that will completely satiate your taste buds. Made with dry fruits, A2 Gir Cow ghee, milk, condensed milk, and desiccated coconuts. Also, this recipe is simple to prepare and quite healthy. Why not give it a shot, then?

• Mango Barfi: Mangoes and summer are both here. We all enjoy mangoes and barfi, but what if we created a dish that blends these two yummy food? A delicious variation of the burfi tradition is mango barfi. Summertime is the ideal time to add mangoes to burfi because there are so many ripe, delicious, and fresh mangoes in the markets. This burfi recipe is simple to prepare, highly addicting, and ideal for Ram Navami celebrations. It is made using a mixture of coconut, cardamom, ghee, milk powder, dry fruits, and mango puree. You can make the softest, meltiest Indian fudge with mango flavour at home!

• Sookha Kala Chana: In addition to being a delectable preparation for Navratri Pooja, this Kala Chana recipe is also a well-known Ram Navami celebration dish. It beautifully combines a variety of spices and is made from black chickpeas without any onions. It can be eaten on its own or with puri, roti, and paratha. This dish is not only mouthwatering but also rich in many vital elements that our bodies need on a daily basis. Although Ram Navami and Navratri are celebrated on the same day, followers avoid using garlic or onions when making this dish.

• Aloo Ka Halwa: We bring you this delectable sweet dish that one can enjoy while fasting as many devotees choose to observe a fast during the holy Ram Navami event. This dish, which uses potatoes, ghee, and sugar, will make your mouth wet, and your home smells amazing. This sweet delicacy is incredibly simple to make and is certain to satisfy your taste senses and fill you up. Blended potatoes are boiled with milk, jaggery, and cardamom powder to create this Indian dessert. Cardamom Powder gives the Halwa a delightful flavour with just a trace of flavour. This halwa is identical to other halwa; the only difference is that the basic ingredient is potatoes.

• Badam Sharbat: Almonds, powdered sugar, and saffron threads are combined to create the cooling Indian drink known as badam sharbat. Beat the heat by enjoying this Ram Navami^[1] celebration. This fantastic beverage can be served to your family members or your visitors and is “ready to be served.” A recipe for a drink that is incredibly simple, delicious, healthful, and filling that will keep you full and satisfied for a very long time.

• Aloo Tikki: Every Indian loves a savory dish that combines a variety of flavours, including spices, sweetness, and a tinge of sourness. One recipe that is suitable for those who are fasting this Ram Navami is aloo tikki. Deep-fried food made with boiling potatoes, Rajgira flour, peanuts, and green chillies. It goes with curd, coriander chutney, and Imli chutney on the side.

• Lachha Rabdi: A common North Indian delicacy known as Lachha Rabdi is prepared by boiling milk and then seasoning it with saffron, rosewater, or cardamom powder. The reason it is named lacchas Rabdi is that while the milk cooks, layers of fat milk form on top, forming lacchas (threads) that are then returned to the pan, thickening the condensed milk. The only essential components for this Indian dish are saffron, rose water, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. Use A2 milk for the creamiest consistency and nicest texture in rabdi. 

• Sitaphal Basundi: This Ram Navami festival, if you want to try something new and delectable, then this recipe is for you. A delightful variation of the traditional Basundi dish is Sitaphal Basundi. Once the ordinary Basundi has cooled, fresh custard apple pulp is added to make it. Although this dish takes a lot of time and work, the reward comes in the first bite.

• Bread Malai Roll: This recipe is your saviour if you’re seeking for a simple yet tasty dessert to serve your guests on the auspicious day of the Ram Navami celebration. Indian sweets called bread malai rolls are made by thinly rolling a slice of bread and filling it with a mixture of cardamom and almonds. After that, it is shaped into a cylindrical and covered with luscious rabdi. Since these malai rolls taste better when consumed chilled, the recipe requires 3 to 4 hours of refrigeration.

Conclusion

The auspicious day of Ram Navami has arrived. Lord Rama is revered not only for his Dharma but also for his bravery, love, loyalty, and devotion. We have provided you with all the information you need to offer your prayers to Lord Rama in this article. We Indians always believe in auspicious times and days to begin new endeavours or to worship our Gods and Goddesses. So the auspicious time for Ram Navami is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Swadeshi VIP team wishes you all a happy Ram Navami and Navratri.

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