Ram Navami
राम नवमी
March 26, 2026
Significance
The birthday of Lord Rama — the 7th avatar of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana. Celebrated on the 9th day (Navami) of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. It also marks the end of Chaitra Navratri. Ram Navami is especially grand at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Rama.
Story & Mythology
King Dasharatha of Ayodhya performed a Putrakameshti Yagna (fire sacrifice for sons). The fire god Agni appeared with sacred kheer (pudding). Dasharatha's three queens ate it, and four sons were born: Rama (to Kausalya), Bharata (to Kaikeyi), and Lakshmana and Shatrughna (to Sumitra). Rama was born at noon on Navami tithi in Chaitra month.
Puja Vidhi & Rituals
- 1
Observe fast (fruit-only or nirjal) from morning
- 2
At noon (Rama's birth time): perform the birth ceremony — bathe the baby Rama idol, place in a decorated jhula (cradle)
- 3
Chant Rama mantras: Sri Rama Jai Rama, Jai Jai Rama
- 4
Read or listen to Ramayana (especially Sundarkand or Balkand)
- 5
Perform aarti with Aarti Shri Ramchandra Ji Ki
- 6
Distribute prasad and break fast after evening puja