The festival of Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama, who was born on the ninth day of the Chaitra month (March).The festival occurs at the beginning of summer. The Sun is considered to be the progenitor of Lord Rama'sdynasty which is called the Sun dynasty. It is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. In some parts of India it is celebrated as a nine-day festival known as Vasanta Navaratri. Lord Rama'sdevotees fast for nine days with fruits and milk while some fast on the ninth day only.
The faith is that on this day Lord Vishnu took the seventh avatar as Lord Rama to destroy the demon King Ravana who had become very powerful and his tyranny knew no bounds. Sages were not able to perform their rituals under his reign. So to destroy Ravana, Lord Vishnu took his seventh avatar as son of Kaushalya, the first queen of King Dashratha.
Rama embodied the highest ideals of man and is called Maryada Purshottam, which means perfect man. The reign of Rama has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity. Ram Navami commemorates the noble ideals for which Lord Rama stood.
Ram Navami celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. Devotees observe fast on the day. Temples are decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy Ramayana is read in the temples. Rath Yatras of Rama and his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman are taken out from many temples. The chariot is accompanied by several other persons dressed up in ancient costumes as Rama'ssoldiers. Satsangs (public gatherings) are organised to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama. People from all castes and creeds participate in these getherings to listen to the stories and their explanations offered by the learned. Hanuman is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to Lord Rama and his worship forms an important part of the Rama Navami celebrations.
Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Rama, is the focus of great pomp and celebrations. A huge fair is organised there for two days.
In South India, especially Pondicherry the Sri Rama Navami Utsavam is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and devotion. The kirtanists chant the holy name of Rama. and celebrate the wedding of Rama with Sita on this day. In Andhra Pradesh, this festival is celebrated with great religious zeal, particularly the Ram Navami festival at Bhadrachalam, which is celebrated for ten days from Chaitra Suddha Saptami to Bahula Padyami (March/April). The Kalyanotsavam (wedding of Lord with Sita) celebrations attract lakhs of devotees every year.
