On the occasion of the birth of Lord Rama, Sri Rama Navami is celebrated every year on Navami Tithi, during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month.

Rama was believed to be born during Madhyahna period (middle of Hindu day), which prevails for 6 Ghatis (approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes). It is the most auspicious time to perform Rama Navami Puja rituals.

That mid point marks the moment, when Lord Rama was born and considering this, the chanting of the god name and celebrations, reaches its peak in this period.

Significance of Madhyahna moment in Sri Rama Navami

As western clock and Gregorian calendars are in wide usage, people assume 12 p.m. as Madhyahna moment. If sunrise and sunset occur exactly at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively, 12 p.m. can be considered as the Madhyahna moment, but at most of the places, sunrise and sunset timings are different from six O’clock.

Because of the above reasons, the Madhyahna moment for most of Indian cities, would fall between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Ayodhya being the birthplace of Lord Rama, Rama Navami celebrations in this place, are remarkable. Every year, several devotees from different states, visit Ayodhya and participate in the devotional programmes here.

The devotees take holy dip in the river Sarayu and then attend the grand birthday celebrations.  

Fasting on Sri Rama Navami

Since ages, fasting is considered as the most popular tradition of Sri Rama Navami. On this festival, the devotees observe a whole-day fast and offer prayers to the deity.

However it is not mandatory to observe a waterless fast, but still several believe that, observing stringent fast would bring all the good. They break the fast consuming fruits in the midnight.

By Phani Ch