By: Surinder Jain.
When will this festival be celebrated in 2024?
Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 17, 2024.[1]
What is the significance of this festival?
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama is revered for upholding dharma (righteousness) and as the embodiment of virtue.[2][4] The festival signifies the victory of good over evil.[1]
What is the history behind the celebration of this festival?
The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya, as depicted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama was born on the 9th day of the Chaitra month after King Dasharatha performed a sacred ritual to have a son.[1][2][3][4]
Why do Hindus celebrate it?
Hindus celebrate Ram Navami to honor the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a symbol of righteousness, courage, and adherence to dharma.[2][4] The festival promotes the ideals that Rama embodied.[2]
Hindu scriptures, especially the Ramayana, describe Rama as being born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in the city of Ayodhya. His birth is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and he had three brothers – Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. His wife was Sita. Ayodhya’s significance stems from its deep-rooted association with Lord Rama, its mythological and cultural heritage, its role as a sacred site for spiritual liberation, and its embodiment of the ideals of righteous governance and Hindu traditions.
What are the traditional foods prepared during this festival?
There are no specific traditional foods mentioned in the search results, but vegetarian dishes, sweets like ladoos, and fruits are commonly prepared and offered as prasad (holy offering).[2]
What are the rituals and customs associated with this festival?
The rituals include taking a holy bath, wearing new clothes, visiting temples, performing pujas (prayers), fasting, reading the Ramayana, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and organizing Ram Leela (dramatic enactments of Rama’s life).[1][2][4][5]
How is it celebrated?
Ram Navami is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Devotees visit temples, participate in processions, perform aartis (rituals with lamps), and exchange greetings. Grand celebrations with Ram Leela performances and lighting of lamps are common.[1][2][4][5]
Can anyone join the festival?
Yes, Ram Navami is an inclusive festival, and people of all faiths can participate in the celebrations.[1]
Where can I go and join the celebrations in Australia?
In Australia, you can check with local Hindu temples, cultural associations, and Indian community organizations in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. They may organize Ram Navami events or provide information on where celebrations are taking place.
Citations:
[1] https://nationaltoday.com/ram-navami/
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-ram-navami-how-festival-celebrated-india-event-planet-india
[3] https://www.ramnavami.com/history-of-ram-navami.html
[4] https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/2023/03/31/what-is-ram-navami-the-hindu-festival-celebrated-by-millions-in-india/
[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/festivals/ram-navami-2023-date-shubh-muhurat-history-puja-vidhi-celebration-and-significance/articleshow/99057637.cms
