India celebrates Ram Navami with festive fervor

Devotees all across the world celebrate the birth of Lord Rama on the auspicious day of Ram Navami.

The holy festival of Ram Navami is being celebrated across the country. Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day of Chaitra Navaratri celebrations. On this occasion, it is believed that Lord Ram the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have taken birth on this day.

When is Ram Navami celebrated:

The birth of Lord Rama is celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri at noon - on the ninth day of Chaitra month (March-April) of the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival starts from Gudi Padwa (Hindu New Year, the first day of Chaitra month) and lasts until the ninth day of the Navratri.

Histroy of this day:

Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was born to king Dasharatha and queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya, now in Uttar Pradesh is the reason why we celebrate Ram Navami festival.

Vrat Vidhi:

Many devotees observe fast from sunrise until the next day. During fast, devotees eat fruits or any other delicacies made with water chestnut

Lakhs take holy dip:

Lakhs of devotees took a holy dip in the Saryu river in Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Rama, as Ram Navmi was celebrated with traditional fervour.

Rath Yatra:

In several places, Rath Yatra (religious processions) of idols of Lord Rama and Sita are also organised, with devotees chanting hymns.

Significance of this day:

Though the day is the birthday of Lord Ram, it is believed by the devotees that offering prayers on the occasion brings health, wealth and prosperity in return. While many devotees observe fast on the day, others make ‘halva' and ‘poori' and along with serving the ‘prasad' to God, offer it to little girls who are considered to be Goddess Durga's avatars.

All photos taken from PTI