Rama Navami: Festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu!
In Hinduism, Rama Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Considered the ideal man (or the embodiment of dharma), he is worshipped as the seventh and one of the most popular avatars of Almighty Vishnu (the preserver and protector of the universe).
When is Rama Navami Festival in 2025?
In 2025, Rama Navami will be celebrated on the 6th of April (Sunday).
Birth of Lord Rama
In Valmiki’s Ramayana and the Mahabharata, details regarding the birth of the deity Rama are noted. As mentioned, in the city of Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Lord Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. The queen gave birth to the deity on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar cycle of Chaitra – the first month in the Hindu calendar – (March–April). Since then, the day has been observed as Rama Navami. The birth of the God is also part of the Chaitra Navaratri festival.
An ideal man and righteous king
Lord Rama, one of the most popularly revered deities in Hinduism, is often held as an emblem within Hinduism for being an ideal king and human through his righteousness, good conduct, and purity. In Hindu traditions, he is believed to be the Supreme Being.
ALSO READ | Sharad Navaratri: Know why the festival that honors Goddess Durga is celebrated | History and significance!
The life story of Lord Rama and his wife Goddess Sita and their companions allegorically discusses the duties, rights, and social responsibilities of a person. It defines dharma and dharmic living via model characters.
WATCH | Documentary: The inside story behind Durga Puja idol making
Lord Rama had three brothers- Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Lord Rama and Goddess Sita had twin sons – Lava and Kusha.
Observances during Rama Navami
During the festival, devotees do puja and bhajans, keep fast, recitation of the Ramayana and its other versions, and do charity.
In India, Rama Navami is a holiday for government employees.
When is Rama Navami in 2026?
In 2026, Rama Navami will be observed on 26th March (Thursday).