Rama Navami

The birth anniversary of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is known as Ramnavami. The pilgrims flock the temples of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where Rama was born and Pondicherry to participate in Ramnavami festivities. The highlights of the festival are Rama Leela (the play depicting the major life events of Rama), colourful processions with brilliant floats of Rama, His consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and the great devotee and monkey-general Hanuman. The festival lasts for nine days and marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. Celebrated in Chaitra, it usually falls in March or April. Wpics based on Rama's life events such as Ramayana written by Valmiki and Rama Charit Manas written by Tulsidas are recited on this day.

This occasion is holds a special significance for Vaishnav Hindus who observe fast on this day and offer prayers to Lord Rama. It is said that anybody who prays to Rama on this day, will have his wishes fulfilled. Temples and idols of Lord Rama are beautifully decorated on this day. Lord Rama and Goddess Sita are them worshipped and offered flowers and fruits. There are 'satsangs' and religious meets that are organized to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram and 'bhajans' and hymns are sung in his praise. Some of the devotees observe rigorous fasts for all the nine days and eat only fruit and milk once a day. A huge fair is organized in Ayodhya and Rath yatras or 'chariot processions' of the idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are taken out on streets as part of the Ramanavami celebrations.