Ram Navami is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. This festival is observed on the ninth day of Chaitra Navaratri, which usually falls in March or April. Lord Rama is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his birth is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion all over India.
The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. Here are some of the famous cities in India where Ram Navami is celebrated with great fervor:
Ayodhya: Ayodhya, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The city attracts a large number of devotees during Ram Navami, who come to participate in the grand celebrations. The main highlight of the festival in Ayodhya is the grand procession that is taken out on the day of Ram Navami. The procession includes a chariot carrying the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, and is accompanied by devotional songs and dances.
Varanasi: Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is another city in Uttar Pradesh that celebrates Ram Navami with great devotion. The city is known for its ghats, and during Ram Navami, a grand procession is taken out from the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the ghats of the river Ganges. Devotees take a dip in the holy river and offer prayers to Lord Rama.
Kolkata: Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, also celebrates Ram Navami with great enthusiasm. The festival is celebrated with grand processions, devotional songs, and dances. The main attraction of the festival in Kolkata is the Shobha Yatra, which is taken out from the Rama Mandir in north Kolkata.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, celebrates Ram Navami with great fervor. The festival is celebrated with the traditional Kalyanam, which is the wedding of Lord Rama and Sita. The Kalyanam is performed with great devotion, and devotees participate in large numbers.
Rameswaram: Rameswaram, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. The city celebrates Ram Navami with great devotion, and the main attraction of the festival is the grand procession taken out from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Devotees from all over India come to Rameswaram to participate in the celebrations.
In conclusion, Ram Navami is a festival that is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm all over India. The festival is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the epitome of righteousness and virtue. The celebrations in different parts of India have their unique flavor, but the underlying sentiment of devotion and faith remains the same.