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At a glance

When
Caitra Śukla Navamī
Usually falls in
March–April
Duration
One day (ending Caitra Navarātri)
Deity
Rāma
Also called
Ram Navami, Rama Navami, Sri Rama Navami, Ramnavami

Exact dates and timings depend on your location and calendar tradition: check a local pañcāṅga.

The story of Rāma Navamī

The Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa (Bālakāṇḍa, sarga 18) tells that after King Daśaratha's sacrifice for sons, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma on the ninth day of Caitra, under the Punarvasu nakṣatra, at midday. His brothers Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna were born soon after.

Rāma is remembered as maryādā puruṣottama, the ideal of dharma in every role: son, brother, husband and king. Many keep the nine days before as Caitra Navarātri and read the Rāmāyaṇa or the Rāmacaritamānasa through them.

Sources: Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa 18; Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa; Rāmacaritamānasa

How to observe Rāma Navamī

  1. Fast in the morning and read or listen to the story of Rāma's birth.
  2. At midday, the hour of his birth, worship Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān and rock a cradle with a small image of Rāma.
  3. Chant the Rāma Rakṣā Stotram or the name "śrī rāma jaya rāma jaya jaya rāma".
  4. Offer pānakam (jaggery water with pepper) and buttermilk, especially in the South.
  5. Many temples celebrate the wedding of Sītā and Rāma (Sītā Rāma kalyāṇam) on this day.

Customs differ between families and regions; follow your own tradition where it differs.

How it is celebrated in different regions

  • Ayodhyā

    Pilgrims bathe in the Sarayū and crowds gather at the temples of Rāma's birthplace.

  • Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

    The Sītā Rāma kalyāṇam at Bhadrācalam is the most famous celebration.

  • Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

    Pānakam and neer mōr are offered and shared, often after nine days of Rāmāyaṇa readings.

Questions about Rāma Navamī

Why is Rāma's birth celebrated at midday?

The Rāmāyaṇa places his birth at midday, so the main worship is done then.

What is Caitra Navarātri?

The nine nights of the Goddess in spring, from Caitra Śukla Pratipadā; Rāma Navamī is its ninth day.

Learn Sanskrit

About Rāma Navamī

Rāma Navamī is a festival (in Devanagari: रामनवमी (Rāma Navamī)). Source: Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa 18; Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa; Rāmacaritamānasa.

The birth of Rāma at midday on the ninth day of the bright half of Caitra, the last day of the spring Navarātri.

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