Rama Navami

At Rama Navami Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. It falls on the ninth day of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar (March/April). Rama Navami is one of the most important Hindu festivals.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Many Vaishnava Hindus visit temples or worship at home
• Minatare idols of Lord Rama are bathed and clothed
• The ceremony is accompanied by reciting Ram katha and singing religious bhajans
• For many it is a day of fasting or certain foods are not eaten.

What should I know?

• Lord Rama is an incarnation of the god Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana, which is recited in its entirety in the week leading up to Rama Navami, and on the day itself
• Not just Lord Ram, but Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Sita are worshipped, owing to their important connection with the Ramayana
• In the 2011 census 1.5% of the UK identified as Hindu.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Hindu that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

India Today: Rama Navami: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/culture/story/ram-navami-lord-rama-navratri-celebration-lifest-969383-2017-04-04

Rama Navami recipes: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/rama-navami-recipes/