Rama Navami (Sanskrit: राम नवमी, romanised: Rāmanavamī) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism who is regarded as the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Within the Hindu tradition, Rama is held as an emblem of righteousness, good conduct and virtue, and is often described as an ideal king and human being.
The festival falls on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April), which is the first month in the Hindu calendar. It also forms part of the Chaitra Navaratri festival observed in spring.
Rama Navami is celebrated across India with varying rituals and customs. Observances include devotional practices such as fasting, prayer, congregational singing, and recitations from the Ramayana, along with temple visits, processions, and musical or dramatic performances based on episodes from Rama's life. Charitable events and community meals are also organised on this day, and the festival is treated as an occasion for reflecting on the virtues associated with Rama.
Major celebrations take place at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and at numerous Rama temples across the country. Ratha yatras (chariot processions) featuring Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman are organised at several places. In Ayodhya, devotees customarily take a dip in the sacred river Sarayu before visiting the Rama temple.
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Rama Navami.