Ram Navami 2020: Ram Navami is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ram Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. It is usually on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra (March or April according to the Gregorian calendar).
The festival celebrates the birth of Vishnu as Ram after his birth to king Dasrath and queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
During Ram Navami, a large number of believers visit temples, recites the scriptures of Ramayana, and do Bhajan or Kirtan. Devotees bathe and dress idols of Lord Ram. A lamp is lit and kheer is prepared to appease Lord Ram. Nine girls are invited at home and served halwa and puri. This year’s Ram Navami will be held on Thursday, April 2nd.
History of Ram Navami
Ram Navami festival is celebrated to honour Lord Vishu as Ram avatar, also known as Maryada Purshottam. He was born in Ayodhya to Kaushalya and Dasrath in Treta Yuga. It describes how the king and his three queens– Sumitra, Kaikeyi and Kaushalya performed Yagna on the suggestion of Rishi Vashisth when none of them were able to give birth to the next Ayodhya ruler.
After a yagna, they were given kheer blessed by Yajna, Lord of Yagna. The queens conceived soon and gave birth to sons. While Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughan were born to Kaikeyi and Sumitra.
Lord Rama, who was the first in line to the throne, had to step back due to conspiracy and king Dasrath had to exile him for up to 14 years.
Significance of Ram Navami:
The festival stands for positivity, prosperity and hope. On this day, people dress up Lord Ram idols with all the finery and jewels.
This is a day of introspection and self-reflection. Many people seek the guidance of Lord Ram, and vowed to correct all mistakes. People also participate in charity events. Most importantly, this day symbolizes the triumph of good and evil, as well as the establishment of a symbol of “Dharma” that defeats ‘adharma’.
Read: Happy Ram Navami 2020: Wishes, images, WhatsApp status and messages of the festival
