Celebration of Ram Navami on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra signifies the arrival of divine power on the earth. It is the day when Lord Vishnu was born as the elder son of Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya. On this day, the devotees of Lord Rama perform some elaborate rituals for the purification of their souls. The purpose of the birth of Rama was to destroy the evil spirit of Ravana. Therefore, the celebration of Ram Navami endeavours to glorify the power of religion and it reflects the eternal conflict between good and evil.
Significance of Performing Rituals on this Day
The day of Ram Navami begins with the offering of prayer to the Sun. The Sun symbolises power. Hindu religion considers the Sun as Rama's ancestor. Therefore, the aim of praying to the Sun at the beginning of that day means to seek the blessing of supreme power. Devotees of Rama spend this day by singing devotional song and listening recitations from various types of religious books. Chanting of Vedic hymns has a key role for such occasion. Preachers also preach sermons from religious texts. All of these customary practices make people aware about the difference between right and wrong.
Importance of Fast on Ram Navami
Followers of Lord Rama maintain fast for the whole day. The practice of keeping fast helps to purify body's system. At the end of the day, a devotee breaks his fast after having fruits and sweets. None can deny the benefits of these types of foods for human body.
Significance of Ramlila on Ram Navami
The religious event of Ram Navami commemorates various events of Lord Rama's life. Cultural programs like Ramlila have a significant part in Ram Navami celebration. This dramatic performance bears an account of Rama's life and his battle with Ravana. We can observe the perfect amalgamation of several virtues in the character of Rama. The Hindu religion portrays his character as an ideal son and a good step-son. It also describes Ram as a loving brother, a caring husband and a responsible King. As a son the character of Rama teaches us that one should to obey and respect the order of one's father and always protect the dignity of one's father. That is why, Rama spent fourteen years in exile in forest to honour his father. As an ideal step-son, he respected the decision of his step-mother Kaikeyi and left ownership of Ayodhya. As a loving brother, he maintained loyalty towards his brother Bharat. As a caring husband, he fought a long battle against Ravana to protect Sita from the grip of Ravana. Through this act, the character of Rama makes men aware regarding their duty about protection of their better half from impending danger. As a responsible King of Ayodhya, the character of Ram represents the glory of sacrifice and honesty.
Significance of Chariot Processing on Ram Navami
Chariot processing is an indispensable part of Ram Navami festival. The devotees place the images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman in a well decorated chariot and start processing on the streets. Through this processing, the devotees declare about the peaceful days of Rama's reign.
Significance of Taking Holy Bath on Ram Navami
Taking holy bath in the sacred river of Saryu in Ayodhya is a part of elaborate rituals of this ceremony. The Hindus believe that this bath will help in the process of purification of body and soul. In Southern parts of India, this event is celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita.
Significance of Performing Rama's Wedding Anniversary on Ram Navami
In Sothern states of India, devotees observe this day as the wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Through organizing wedding of this celestial couple, the devotees of Rama intend to celebrate the loving bondage of husband and wife.
Therefore, we can conclude that the Hindus have given a status of God to the character of Rama for his divine virtues. The celebration of Ram Navami means the destruction of negativity from the earth. The devotees of Lord Rama make an effort to eliminate all signs of evilness from themselves though this festival.