Rama Navami 17 April

Celebrating Rama Navami: The Divine Birth of Lord Rama

Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador

As the spring season blooms with a sense of renewal, Hindus around the world begin to
celebrate Rama Navami — a dharmic religious festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama,
the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rama Navami falls on the ninth day of Chaitra month,
according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically occurs in March or April, with it being
April this year. This day holds profound significance in Hindu mythology, symbolising the
triumph of righteousness over evil and the victory of dharma.

The story of Lord Rama is ingrained in the cultural fabric of Hinduism, recounted in the epic
Ramayana, which narrates the divine journey of Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion
Hanuman. Lord Rama is revered as the epitome of virtue, compassion, and honour, embodying
the ideals of a righteous ruler. During Rama Navami, devotees observe various rituals and
traditions to honour the birth of Lord Rama. Special prayers (puja) are recited both at home and
in temples, invoking the blessings of Lord Rama for peace, prosperity, and protection. At home,
the youngest female member of the family start prayer by applying a red tilak (mark) to others
in the home. Some engage in charitable activities and community service as a way of expressing
gratitude and devotion to the divine.

One of the most significant rituals of Rama Navami is the performance of Ramayana Katha,
where sacred verses from the epic Ramayana are recited, illuminating the timeless teachings
and important moral values embodied by Lord Rama. Devotees also adorn their homes and
temples with colorful decorations and light oil lamps to symbolise the triumph of light over
darkness. For many Hindus, Rama Navami is not just a religious observance but also a time of
spiritual reflection and introspection. It serves as a reminder to strive for righteousness in
thought, speech, and action, to emulate the noble qualities exemplified by Lord Rama in our
daily lives.

Rama Navami is an important reminder to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Lord
Rama to cultivate compassion, integrity, and humility in our hearts. May the divine blessings of
Lord Rama bring joy, harmony, and inner peace. Happy Rama Navami!

Bibliography
BBC. (2009). Rama Navami. BBC Religion. Available at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/rama.shtml
All Indian Festivals. (2021). Rama Navami. Retrieved from
https://www.allindianfestivals.in/rama-navami/
Lochtefeld, J. G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. The Rosen Publishing
Group. pp. 558–559. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4