{{short description|Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the deity Rama}} {{EngvarB|date=April 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}} {{Infobox holiday | holiday_name = Rama Navami | type = Hindu | image = Rama Navami 17.jpg | caption = Murti of the infant Rama in a cradle at a village temple in Chinawal, Maharashtra | significance = Birthday of Rama | date = {{Hindu festival date}} | date2026 = 26 March<br>27 March<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drikpanchang.com/dashavatara/rama-navami/rama-navami-date-time.html|title=Ram Navami 2026}}</ref> | relatedto = Chaitra Navaratri, Hanuman Jayanti | observances = Puja, vrata (fast), recitation of the Ramayana and its various versions, charity, and bhajan (devotional singing) | frequency = Annual | duration = 1 Day }} {{Hindu festival date info|expanded=true}} '''Rama Navami''' ({{Langx|sa|राम नवमी|translit=Rāmanavamī}}) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism, also known as the seventh avatar of Vishnu.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="dna8apr2014" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-30 |title=Rama {{!}} Description, Symbolism, Meaning, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rama-Hindu-deity |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> He is often held as an emblem within Hinduism for being an ideal king and human, through his righteousness, good conduct and virtue.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> The festival falls on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar cycle of Chaitra (March–April), the first month in the Hindu calendar.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=175953 The nine-day festival of Navratri leading up to Sri Rama Navami has bhajans, kirtans and discourses in store for devotees]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407143924/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=175953|date=7 April 2009}}</ref> It is also part of the Chaitra Navaratri festival in spring.<ref name="lochetefeld562">{{cite book |author=James G. Lochtefeld |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |pages=558–559 |url-access=registration}}</ref>
Rama Navami is celebrated across India with varying rituals and customs. These include devotional practices such as fasting, prayer, singing, recitations from the Ramayana, temple visits, processions, and music or dramatic performances.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Robinson |first=James B. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GmQ_yp4vVhsC&q=hinduism+religions+of+the+world+james+robinson |title=Hinduism |date=2009 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=978-1-4381-0641-0 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="bbc" /><ref name="lochetefeld562" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121104195645/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-02/mysore/28056195_1_ramanavami-music-festival-temples-devotees Ramnavami] ''The Times of India'', 2 April 2009.</ref> Charitable events and community meals are also organized. The festival is an occasion for reflecting on Rama's virtues.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="bp">{{cite web|title=President and PM greet people as India observes Ram Navami today|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/president-and-pm-greet-people-as-india-observes-ram-navami-today/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=8 April 2014}}</ref>
Important celebrations on this day take place at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir and numerous Rama temples all over India. Ratha yatras (chariot processions) of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman occur at several places.<ref name="bbc">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-28 |title=Religions - Hinduism: Rama Navami |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/rama.shtml |publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=47910 On Ram Navami, we celebrate our love for the ideal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407143929/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=47910 |date= 7 April 2009 }} ''Indian Express'', Monday, 31 March 2003.</ref> In Ayodhya, many take a dip in the sacred river Sarayu, and then visit the Rama temple.<ref name="dna8apr2014">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hindus-around-the-world-celebrate-ram-navami-today-1976344 Hindus around the world celebrate Ram Navami today], DNA, 8 April 2014</ref>
== Birth == Details regarding the birth of Rama are mentioned in Valmiki's ''Ramayana'' and the ''Mahabharata.''<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&q=hinduism+an+alphabetical+guide |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2014-04-18 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-277-9 |pages=1571–1580 |language=en}}</ref> Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in the city of Ayodhya. King Dasharatha had three wives—Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra– but remained sonless for many years. Desperate for an heir, Dasharatha organized a sacrifice to be conducted under the authority of the sage Rishyasringa, which concluded with a celestial figure that emerged from a fire with a pot of rice and milk. As instructed, the king divided the contents of the pot among his wives. As a result, Kausalya gave birth to Rama on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar cycle of Chaitra (March–April), also known as Rama Navami. Furthermore, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata and Sumitra bore twins—Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Thus, with the birth of four sons, Dasharatha's desire was fulfilled.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AbWazgEACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen |isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8 |pages=175 |language=en}}</ref>
== Celebrations and rituals == A number of cities mentioned in the Ramayana legends about Rama's life observe major celebrations.<ref name=lochetefeld562/> These include Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh),<ref name="lochetefeld562" /> Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Bhadrachalam (Telangana) and Sitamarhi (Bihar).
The rituals and customs associated with Rama Navami vary from region to region throughout India. Many of these traditions include reading and listening to discourses from the Ramayana,<ref name="Melton2011p739" /> organizing ''ratha yatras'' (chariot processions), charitable events, hosting a wedding procession (''kalyanotsavam'') of Rama and Sita,<ref name="dna8apr2014" /> and offering reverence to Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman who have played important roles in Rama's life story.<ref name="Rosen2006p212">{{cite book|author=Steven Rosen|title=Essential Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WuVG8PxKq_0C&pg=PA212 |year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-99006-0|page=212}}</ref> Surya, the Hindu solar deity, is also worshipped among some communities.<ref name="Melton2011p739">{{cite book |author=Constance A Jones |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&pg=PA739 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-206-7 |editor=J. Gordon Melton |pages=739–740}}</ref>
In Karnataka, Rama Navami is celebrated by the local ''mandalis'' (organizations) and streets, by dispersing free ''panaka'' (a jaggery drink) and some food. Additionally, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Sree Ramaseva Mandali, R.C.T (R.) Chamrajpet, organizes India's most prestigious, month-long classical music festival. The uniqueness of this 80 year old musical extravaganza is that celebrated Indian classical musicians, irrespective of their religion, from both genres – Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian) – descend down to offer their musical rendition to Rama and the assembled audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ramanavami.org/about-us|title=Sree Ramaseva Mandali, Retrospect | Our Impact|website=www.ramanavami.org}}</ref>
In eastern Indian states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, the Jagannath temples and regional Vaishnava community observe Rama Navami, and begin preparations for their annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra in summer.<ref>[http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/01/24/logs-for-trinitys-chariots-arrive-in-odishas-puri-town/ Logs for Trinity’s chariots arrive in Odisha’s Puri town], Odisha Sun Times (24 January 2016)</ref>
Devotees associated with ISKCON fast throughout the day.<ref name="Melton2011p739"/> A number of ISKCON temples introduced a more prominent celebration of the occasion of the holiday with the view of addressing needs of growing native Hindu congregation. It was however a notable calendar event on the traditional Gaurabda calendar with a specific additional requirement of fasting by devotees.<ref name=Zaidman2000>{{cite journal | author = Zaidman, N. | year = 2000 | title = The Integration of Indian Immigrants to Temples Run by North Americans | journal = Social Compass | volume = 47 | issue = 2 | pages = 205–219 |quote=Another example of a religious enterprise initiated by a board member was the organization of Lord Ramachandra Appearance Day (Sri Ram Navami). | doi = 10.1177/003776800047002005| s2cid = 144392375 }}</ref>
On April 17, 2024, the first Rama Navami after the consecration of Ayodhya's Ram Temple was celebrated by thousands of devotees across India.<ref name = IE18Apr>{{cite news|date=18 April 2024|title=Ayodhya Temple On Ram Navami, 'Surya Tilak' shines on Ram Lalla|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-temple-on-ram-navami-surya-tilak-shines-on-ram-lalla-9276650/|work=Indian Express|access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> On this occasion, the Ram Temple witnessed a unique event at noon as the forehead of the Ram Lalla ''murti'' was anointed with a ray of sunlight, known as ''Surya Tilak''.<ref name=NDTV18Apr>{{cite news|date=17 April 2024|title=The Science Behind 'Surya Tilak' Ceremony At Ayodhya's Ram Temple|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-science-behind-surya-tilak-ceremony-at-ayodhyas-ram-temple-5460250 | work=NDTV|access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> Scores of devotees watched the live-streaming of the event across the globe.<ref name = IE18Apr/>
== Spiritual Significance ==
Rama Navami is not only a celebration of the birth of Lord Rama but also holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. The festival underscores the ideals of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and the pursuit of truth, as exemplified by Rama's life. According to Dr. Yatendra Sharma, "Rama Navami inspires devotees to reflect on the virtues of Lord Rama and encourages the practice of humility, compassion, and adherence to one's duties, serving as a reminder to lead a life guided by moral principles."<ref>Sharma, Yatendra. ''Hindu Festivals''. GIRI, 2024. ISBN 9788179509593.</ref> The observance of Rama Navami, through fasting, recitation of scriptures, and community celebrations, is seen as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and the strengthening of ethical values within society.<ref>Sharma, Yatendra. ''Hindu Festivals''. GIRI, 2024. ISBN 9788179509593.</ref> === Literature === During Rama Navami, reading or listening from literature about Rama is a common practice. Reading the entire ''Ramayana'' (Hindu epic entailing the adventures of Rama)<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Constance A. |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Ryan |first2=James D. |publisher=Facts On File |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-8160-5458-9 |location=New York |pages=353}}</ref> for a week leading up to Rama Navami is organized.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name=":0" /> The earliest version of the text was composed by the sage Valmiki.<ref name="lochetefeld562" />[[File:A View of Bhadrachalam Gopuram.JPG|thumb|Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana is one of the major Rama Navami celebration sites.<ref name="dna8apr2014" />]]Tulsidas's ''Ramcharitmanas,'' a later version of the Ramayana written in the vernacular of that time, is also popularly recited.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-31 |title=Ram Navami 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat, History, Puja Vidhi, Celebration and Significance |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/festivals/ram-navami-2023-date-shubh-muhurat-history-puja-vidhi-celebration-and-significance/articleshow/99057637.cms |access-date=2023-04-05 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The start of the composition of the ''Ramcharitmanas'' began on Rama Navami.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dole |first=Manoj |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i1ukEAAAQBAJ&dq=tulsidas+ramnavami&pg=PA148 |title=Great Indian Sant |publisher=Manoj Dole |pages=148 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Drama === A public dramatic performance, known as ''Ramlila,'' is annually hosted on the festivals of Rama Navami and Vijayadashami.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mohapatra |first=J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R0aVAgAAQBAJ&dq=rituals+of+ram+navami&pg=PA94 |title=Wellness in Indian Festivals & Rituals: Since the Supreme Divine Is Manifested in All the Gods, Worship of Any God Is Quite Legitimate. |date=2013-12-24 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-4828-1689-1 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Kasbekar |first=Asha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sv7Uk0UcdM8C&dq=ram+lila&pg=PA42 |title=Pop Culture India!: Media, Arts, and Lifestyle |date=2006 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-85109-636-7 |pages=42 |language=en}}</ref> ''Ramlila'' encapsulates the story of Rama through music, drama, dance and various other mediums.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mohapatra |first=J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R0aVAgAAQBAJ&dq=rituals+of+ram+navami&pg=PA94 |title=Wellness in Indian Festivals & Rituals: Since the Supreme Divine Is Manifested in All the Gods, Worship of Any God Is Quite Legitimate. |date=2013-12-24 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-4828-1689-1 |pages=94 |language=en}}</ref> The enactments of ''Ramlila'' are inspired by the Tulsidas's ''Ramcharitmanas.''<ref name="lochetefeld562" />
==Outside of India== Rama Navami is one of the Hindu festivals that is celebrated by the Indian diaspora with roots in Uttar Pradesh and other states.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-01|title=Ram Navami 2020 to be observed on 2 April: All you need to know about the festival, celebrations |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/ram-navami-2020-to-be-observed-on-2-april-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-festival-celebrations-8214701.html|access-date=2020-07-22|website=Firstpost}}</ref> The descendants of Indian indentured servants who were forced to leave India due to famines and then promised jobs in colonial South Africa before 1910 in British-owned plantations and mines, and thereafter lived under the South African apartheid regime, continued to celebrate Rama Navami by reciting the Ramayana and by singing bhajans of Tyagaraja and Bhadrachala Ramdas. The tradition continues in contemporary times in the Hindu temples of Durban every year.<ref>Paula Richman (2008), ''Ways of Celebrating Ram's Birth: Ramayana Week in Durban, South Africa'', Religions of South Asia, Volume 2 Issue 2, pp. 109–133</ref>
Similarly, in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, other Caribbean countries, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Denmark and many other countries with Hindu descendants of colonial-era indentured workers forced to leave British India have continued to observe Rama Navami along with their other traditional festivals.<ref>{{cite book|author=Steven Vertovec|title=Hindu Trinidad: Religion, Ethnicity and Socio-Economic Change |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G1gYAAAAYAAJ|year=1992|publisher=Macmillan Academic |isbn=978-0-333-53505-9|page=211}}</ref>
It is also celebrated by Hindus in Fiji and Fijian Hindus who have re-migrated elsewhere.<ref>{{cite book|author=Brian A. Hatcher|title=Hinduism in the Modern World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IdeoCgAAQBAJ |year=2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-04631-6|pages=116–117}}</ref>
==See also== * List of Hindu festivals * Rama Navami riots * Sita Navami
==References and notes== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{commons category-inline|Ramanavami}} *[https://www.vedicinsight.in/festival/shri-raam-nam-mahima/ Rama Navami Special – Shri Raam Nam Mahima] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020173747/https://www.vedicinsight.in/festival/shri-raam-nam-mahima/ |date=20 October 2021 }}
{{Ramayana}}
{{Hindu Festivals}} {{Hindudharma}}
Category:Hindu festivals Category:Hindu holy days Category:Vaishnavism Category:Religious festivals in India Category:Hindu festivals in Nepal Category:Public holidays in Nepal Category:March observances Category:April observances Category:Rama Category:Vrata Category:Birthdays by person Category:Hindu festivals in India