Ram Navami 2023
Hindus celebrate Ram Navami as one of the most significant festivals to mark the arrival of divine power on Earth and commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu’s seventh incarnation as the eldest son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya. On this day, devotees of Lord Rama perform elaborate rituals to celebrate his birth and glorify the power of religion. Lord Rama was born to vanquish the evil demon Ravana and remove negativity from the world. Ram Navami 2023 shall reflect the ongoing conflict between good and evil and help us remind the importance of maintaining Dharma and eradicating Adharma.
What to know about Lord Ram?
According to the religious epic Ramayana, King Dasharath, who had three wives but no children, was suggested by Sage Vasistha to perform the Puthra Kameshti Yagna to fulfill his desire for a child. After the yajna, the King received a bowl of divine Kheer, which he shared with all his wives. Subsequently, all three of them conceived children.
Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of the Chaitra month to Kausalya as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was born to eradicate Adharma and maintain Dharma on Earth, protecting his devotees from the attacks of demons. Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and other Asuras further cemented his status as a mark of divine power and righteousness.
The people of Ayodhya rejoiced at having Lord Rama as their new King and celebrated his birthday every year with great enthusiasm and joy as Ram Navami. The festival serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith and devotion to overcome obstacles in life.
Ram Navami 2023: Date and timings
Hindus consider the celebration of Ram Navami as an important festival. It occurs annually on the ninth day of Chaitra month and is of great significance. This year it will take place on March 30th, 2023.
How to perform puja on Ram Navami in 2023?
- Begin by offering salutations to Lord Ganesha and invoking him.
- Start with a Dhyanam (meditation), seeking Lord Rama’s blessings and requesting him to accept your offerings.
- Follow with Avahanam, praying to Lord Rama and placing a photo frame or idol of him on a yellow-covered wooden platform (Asanam).
- Light an oil or ghee lamp.
- Offer water to Lord Rama’s feet (Padya), followed by Arghya, kalava, janeu, Haldi, chandan, kumkum, flowers, Tulsi leaves, and Panchamrit. Chant Vishnu Sahasranamam.
- Offer incense sticks and Thamboolam (coconut with husk, paan, supari, fruits, bananas, and Dakshina).
- Conclude the puja with the aarti.
How to celebrate Ram Navami 2023?
People celebrate Ram Navami on the 9th day of the Chaitra month’s Shukla Paksha as it marks the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya Nagri. They observe this significant festival for nine days, known as Sri Rama Navratri or Navratri, by participating in various Bhajans, Kirtans, Aartis, and social gatherings.
People believe that Lord Rama was born at noon, and people chant prayers and mantras in homes and temples. They decorate their homes and please God by participating in Havana and Vedic mantras. Devotees chant the name of Lord Rama in groups throughout the night.
Devotees celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm in several places in India, including Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Sita Samahit Sthal (also known as Sitamarhi) in Bihar, and Bhadrachalam in Telangana. People come together largely to chant Lord Rama’s name and carry out the Yatras of Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and Sita Mata.
In Ayodhya, thousands of people cleanse themselves of all sins by taking a dip in the holy river. These celebrations reflect the deep reverence and devotion people in India have for Lord Rama.
