Ram Navami - 2023 Date, Celebrations and Epic Tales

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March/ April) and is celebrated with great enthusiasm, joy and devotion by millions of people around the world.

When will Ram Navami be celebrated in 2023?

This year's Rama Navami festival falls on Thursday, March 30, 2023

Legends and Epic Tales

The legend of Ram Navami is intricately tied to the epic Hindu tale of Ramayana, which narrates the life and times of Lord Rama. According to the legend, Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. His birth was celebrated with great joy and merriment, and it is said that the gods themselves descended to witness the event.

Lord Rama is revered by Hindus as an embodiment of virtue, righteousness, and strength. He is considered to be a symbol of morality and an exemplar of good conduct, and his life and teachings are widely revered by Hindus. The celebration of Ram Navami is, therefore, a tribute to his life and a celebration of his virtues.

Here are some interesting stories associated with Ram Navami:

1) Lord Rama's Birth and Childhood:

According to Hindu legends, Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya as the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. It is believed that Lord Rama's birth was a result of the couple's long penance and prayers to the gods. Lord Rama was a dutiful son and an obedient prince. As a child, he exhibited extraordinary strength and intelligence, and his tales of valour and righteousness are recounted in the epic Ramayana.

2) The Bow Contest:

One of the most popular stories associated with Ram Navami is the bow contest that Lord Rama won, which ultimately led to his marriage with Sita. King Janaka of Mithila had declared that the person who could string the divine bow of Lord Shiva would marry his daughter, Sita. Many princes tried and failed, but Lord Rama not only strung the bow but also broke it in the process, winning Sita's hand in marriage.

3) Lord Rama's Exile:

After Lord Rama was crowned the king of Ayodhya, he was exiled from the kingdom for 14 years due to a conspiracy by his stepmother Kaikeyi. Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, spent his exile in the forest, where he encountered several demons and vanquished them with his valour and intelligence. This period of exile is an important part of Lord Rama's life and is celebrated as the festival of Ram Navami.

4) The Battle with Ravana:

Lord Rama's most famous battle was with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who had abducted Sita. Lord Rama, along with Hanuman and his army of monkeys, waged a war against Ravana and his army of demons. The battle was fierce, but Lord Rama emerged victorious, killing Ravana and rescuing Sita.

5) Lord Rama's Return to Ayodhya:

After Lord Rama's exile and his victory over Ravana, he returned to Ayodhya and was welcomed by his people with great fanfare. This day is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights, which marks the triumph of good over evil.

Lord Rama's life is full of interesting stories and tales of valour, righteousness, and devotion. His teachings and his life continue to inspire people of all beliefs across the globe and are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Ram Navami.

Festivities and Celebrations

The festivities of Ram Navami begin with devotees performing puja and abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Rama's idols, which are adorned with beautiful clothes and jewellery. The idols are then taken out in a grand procession, which is accompanied by music, dance, and chanting of hymns. Devotees also visit temples and offer special prayers and offerings to Lord Rama.

In addition to the puja and procession, Ram Navami is also celebrated with great fervour by singing and reciting Ramayana, the epic story of Lord Rama's life. Many people also fast on this day to pay tribute to Lord Rama's virtues of self-control and restraint.

The significance of Ram Navami extends beyond the celebration of Lord Rama's birth. The festival is also a reminder of the virtues and qualities that he embodied and promoted. Lord Rama was a compassionate and just ruler who treated all his subjects with respect and dignity. He was a devoted son, a loving husband, and a loyal friend. His life and teachings have inspired millions of people over the centuries to lead a life of righteousness and morality.

Ram Navami is a festival that celebrates the life and teachings of Lord Rama, one of the most revered figures in Hinduism. The festival is a tribute to his virtues and a celebration of his life. It is an occasion for people to come together, to offer prayers, and to reflect on the teachings of Lord Rama. Ram Navami is not only a celebration of Lord Rama, but also a tribute to the timeless virtues that he embodied that continues to provide inspiration, devotion and faith to millions of people every day.

Written by Puja Paul