Place: All over
India
Time: March- April
Significance: Birth day of Sri Rama, seventh incarnation of
Vishnu
The birthday of
Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, 'Ramayana', is
enthusiastically celebrated all over India. Lord Vishnu
is worshipped
in his human incarnation as Rama, the divine ruler of Ayodhya.
Celebrations
begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At midday,
when Lord Rama
is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. Temples of Rama are
decorated, religious discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten
days. People sing devotional
songs in praise of Rama and rock, images of him in a cradle to celebrate
his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Rama, his wife Seeta, brother
Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman are held from many temples. The chariot is accompanied by several
devotees dressed up in ancient costumes as Rama's soldiers. The procession is a
gusty affair with the participants shouting praises echoing the happy days of
Rama's reign. People
gather in thousands on the banks of the sacred river Sarayu for a dip. Some observe a strict fast on
this day.
Ayodhya is the focus of great
celebrations. Devotees throng the temples of
Ayodhya and Pondicherry, two places closely connected with the events of the
Ramayana to participate in Ramnavami
festivities.