Rama Navami Celebrations 2019: Significance & Rituals in India

Rama Navami is the auspicious appearance day of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Sri Ramachandra appeared in the month of Chaitra (March-April), on the ninth day of the growing moon (Chaitra Masa, Shukhla Paksha, Navami Tithi) and this particular day is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami every year. This year we celebrate the festival on April 14, 2019.

Sri Ramachandra appeared as the son of Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, who hailed from the dynasty of Maharaja Ikshvaku who is also known as Raghu Vamsha.

Dasharatha had three wives: Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, but had no children. On the advice of Maharishi Vashishtha, the king performed a Putra Kameshti Yajna. As a result, the three wives conceived sons. Kaushalya gave birth to Rama and Kaikeyi and gave birth to Bharata. Sumitra gave birth to the twins: Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

The life and activities of Sri Rama are explained in detail by the great sage Valmiki in the epic Ramayana. A summarized version of the Ramayan as narrated by Shukhadeva Goswami to Parikshit Maharaja is included in the Ninth Canto of Bhagavatha puranam.

Sri Rama Navami Celebrations

Sri Rama Navami Celebrations are celebrated all over the World. Devotees fast throughout the day and remember Sri Rama, by chanting his holy names or hearing from the Ramayana. They break the fast at sunset. You can also observe Rama Navami Vrata at home.