Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama
falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
(See calendar)
In Honor of Lord Rama
Ramnavami is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus, particularly
the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus.
On this auspicious day, devotees repeat the name of Rama with every breath and
vow to lead a righteous life. People pray to attain the final beatitude of life
through intense devotion towards Rama and invoke him for his blessings
and protection.
Solemn Yet Festive
Many observe a strict fast on this day. Otherwise, it is an extremely colorful
ceremony, highly inspiring and instructive too. Temples are decorated and the
image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy 'Ramayana'
is read in the temples. In Ayodhya,
the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day. In the south of
India the "Sri Ramnavami Utsavam" is celebrated for nine days with
great fervor and devotion. In temples and at pious gatherings the learned narrate
the thrilling episodes of the 'Ramayana'. The Kirtanists chant the holy name
of Rama and celebrate the wedding of Rama with Sita on this day.
Celebrations at Rishikesh
At the Sivananda
Ashram, Rishikesh, Ramnavami is celebrated for nine days as follows:
- The sacred Mantras "Om Sri Ramaya Namah" or "Om Sri Ram
Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" are chanted.
- Devotees read the whole of the Ramayana, either the Sanskrit version of
Sage Valmiki or the Hindi version of Saint
Tulsidas, during these nine days.
- Those who cannot recite the entire epic may read this single verse which
contains in a nutshell the story of the Ramayana: "Formerly, Sri Rama
went to the forests, where sages did penance, and killed the illusive deer.
Sita was carried away and Jatayu was killed. Rama met Sugriva, killed Vali
and crossed the ocean. The city of Lanka was burnt by Hanuman.
The demons, Ravana and Kumbhakarna, were then killed. Thus is recited the
holy Ramayana".
- Devotees greet one another with "Sri Ram" or "Jai Ram-ji-ki".
- Those who have adopted Lord Rama as their favorite deity observe a fast,
taking only milk and fruit for all the nine days. Some fast only on the Ramnavami
day itself.
- On the final day of Ramnavami, a grand worship of Lord Rama is organized
in the gorgeously decorated temple. All the Vedic rituals including Laksharchana
are performed.
- A "havan" or sacred fire ceremony is also performed.
- From four in the morning to late at night, there devotional music and chants
of Rama are played.
- Leaflets, booklets and books relating to Lord Rama are distributed.
- Special meetings are held in the evening at which discourses on the life
and teachings of the Lord are delivered.
Based on the writings of Swami
Sri Sivananda
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