From Ayodhya to Rameswaram: Best places to celebrate Ram Navami
What's the story
Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. While in North India, it is celebrated as Lord Rama's birthday, in South India, it is celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. This year, Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 2.
Ayodhya's celebration
Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Rama
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates this festival with immense zeal. As Lord Rama is the patron deity of Ayodhya, Ram Navami occupies a special place in the hearts of its residents. The city turns into a vibrant hub with fairs and chariot processions in honor of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Laxman, and Lord Hanuman. Locals indulge in various religious rituals like decorating their homes, fasting, visiting temples for prayers and rituals during this festive time.
Bihar's pride
Sitamarhi: A significant destination for Ram Navami
Sitamarhi in Bihar, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, is another important destination to witness Ram Navami celebrations. After Ayodhya and Bhadrachalam, Sitamarhi sees the grandest celebrations as Goddess Sita is worshiped as the patron deity here. The Janki Mandir in Sitamarhi celebrates this festival with utmost devotion attracting many devotees who participate in various rituals. On Ram Navami day, the temple is beautifully decorated and a special fair is organized attracting large crowds.
Telugu traditions
Bhadrachalam: The 'Sitarama Kalyanam' celebration
Bhadrachalam, also known as "Dakshina Ayodhya" or Southern Ayodhya, is another famous place for Ram Navami celebrations. The Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple here was constructed in the 17th century by Bhakta Ramadasu, a staunch devotee of Lord Rama. In Bhadrachalam, devotees observe this day as the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita with Sitarama Kalyanam. This nine-day festival ends on Navami, the divine couple's wedding day.
Andhra Pradesh
Vontimitta: A historical celebration
Vontimitta, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, is home to the Sri Kondandarama Swamy temple, built by two robbers-turned-devotees of Rama who later turned into stone after building the temple. The Ram Navami festival here is celebrated as part of nine days annual Bramhotsavam organized by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita attracts devotees from across the state and country.
Tamil Nadu's gem
Rameswaram: A divine wedding celebration
Rameswaram, a popular Tamil Nadu tourist destination, is another place where devotees gather to celebrate Ram Navami. Here, Vanarsena is believed to have built Ram Setu for Lord Rama to rescue his wife Sita from demon king Ravana. The Sri Kothandarama Swamy Temple in Rameswaram witnesses grand celebrations on this day. Devotees join Lord Rama and Goddess Sita's wedding ceremony, chant their names, observe fasts, and participate in various rituals throughout the day.