Ram Navami

What

Ram Navami is observed with recitations from the Ramayana, temple visits, and processions in many regions, along with fasting by many devotees through the day.

Why

The festival marks Rama's birth to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, celebrated as an avatar of Vishnu who would go on to embody dharma under some of the most difficult personal circumstances the epic describes — exile, loss, and a war fought not for personal gain but for restoring what was right.

Preparation

• Visit a temple or set up a home altar with an image of Rama
• Read a chapter from the Ramayana
• Observe a fast if that's your practice
• Reflect on one instance of duty honored despite personal cost

Mantra

Shri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama — glory to Rama, victory to Rama.