Rama Navami is the birthday of Lord Ram and is celebrated
by Hindus around the world. The method of celebration varies from region to
region but fasting is an integral part of Ram Navami in most places. Lord Ram
and Vishnu temples conduct elaborate pujas. Large scale community celebrations
are organized in different parts of India which includes recitation of Ramayana
and performances by folk artists. Maximum number of Rama Navami pujas take place
in Hindu homes.
The rituals associated with Rama Navami starts on Chaitra
1 and ends on Ramnavami. Some devotees fast on all nine days but majority of
the people fast only the Ramnavami day.
Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food
made using potatoes. Turmeric, garlic, onion and ginger are avoided. Another
method of fasting is to eat only fruits or raw vegetables. There are also staunch
Lord Ram devotees who undertake nirjala upvaas (fasting without water).
It is believed that Lord Ram was born at noon so many
people break the fast at noon with the Puja ‘prasad’.
On the day, after thoroughly cleaning the house, idols
or pictures of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are installed in the puja
room. Bananas, Tulsi leaves and usual flowers are placed near the deities.
An aarati is offered at noon and devotional bhajans are
sung. A tika is applied and Gangajal is sprinkled the people present.
Usual sweets or coconut is distributed as Prasad.
The devotional songs sung include any one Ram Bhajan or
Vishnu Shasranama. Ramayana, especially the chapter Sudarkand, is recited on
the day.
In South India, Ramnavami is observed for nine days and
on the Ram Navami day people do elaborate puja and traditional fan (Visari)
is distributed along with the ‘Prasadam.’ Food and drinks that cool
the body are prepared on the day and is consumed after the fast.
