When is Ram Navami 2024: Know the date, history, significance and more

The festival is widely celebrated among Hindus in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and by some Hindus in North America and Europe. Here is all you need to know about Ram Navami, from date to history, significance, and more. 

Happy Ram Navami 2024! (Source: Pexels)

Ram Navami 2024: Date and History

Ram Navami takes place on the ninth day (Navami Tithi) of the Hindu lunisolar Chaitra month, specifically during the Shukla Paksha phase. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright half and this year, it will be celebrated on Wednesday, 17th April, 2024.

The historical significance of Ram Navami dates back to ancient times when King Dasharatha, unable to have a child, performed the Putra Kamesti Yagna on the advice of Rishi Vashishth.

As a result, Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, Sumitra to Lord Shatrughan and Lord Lakshman, and Kaikeyi to Lord Bharat. Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered for his virtuous and righteous nature, serving as an exemplary figure known as ‘Maryada Purushottam.’

Ram Navami 2024: Significance and Traditions

The spiritual significance of Ram Navami lies in the commemoration of Lord Rama’s birth, who is considered the epitome of dharma, or righteousness, and a symbol of truth, good conduct, and virtues.

The festival is a major occasion for devotees to remember his birth anniversary and worship him through fasting, visiting temples, offering special prayers and pujas, and reading from the Ramayana, the epic poem that tells the story of Lord Rama’s life.

In India, Ram Navami is celebrated with great interest and devotion. People clean and decorate their houses, draw rangolis on their doorsteps, and decorate the altar to place the small idol of Lord Rama. They also visit temples and offer prayers to Lord Rama, who is celebrated with various rituals, including fasting, reciting and listening to the epic Ramayana, organising processions, and performing havans.

In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, a Rath Yatra or chariot parade is taken out, which is attended by many people from abroad who are seeking spiritual understanding. 

Here’s wishing all our readers a very happy Ram Navami 2024!