Ram Navami in 2025

Rama Navami is predominantly a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. The day is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra (Hindu calendar). As per the Gregorian calendar, the day usually falls between the months of March and April. Rama Navami in 2025 falls on the 6th of April, Sunday.

Rama Katha recitals, taking out a procession dedicated to Lord Rama, offering prayers in temples and at homes are some of the major customs that are followed on this day.

Date

Day

Festival

6  April 2025

Sunday

Ram Navami

What is Ram Navami?

Ram Navami

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival commemorating the appearance of Shri Ramachandra in Ayodhya during the Treta Yuga. Vedic scriptures affirm that Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu manifested as the beloved incarnation known as Ramachandra, engaging in diverse pastimes that exemplified culture, heroism, principles, morality, good governance, humility, and renunciation. 

Throughout India's ancient scriptures, it's emphasised that the Lord Vishnu descends in various incarnations to draw devotees and vanquish the wicked. His activities, known as Lila (pastimes), are revered, celebrated, and contemplated upon by his beloved devotees. Lord Vishnu's Rama incarnation, or Avatar, is characterised by such divine pastimes to spread his teachings across the country. 

Ram Navami marks the appearance of Lord Rama in both his human and divine forms, celebrated with profound reverence and festivities across India, particularly in the sacred city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, which is the birthplace of Lord Ram. Preceding Ram Navami, Hindus observe a nine-day fast during Chaitra Navaratri, abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and consuming sattvic vegetarian food while engaging in prayer and meditation for detoxification of the body. On the ninth and final day, Ayodhya and other cities across India adorn themselves like a radiant bride, immersed in prayer and festivity. Ram Navami honours every aspect of Lord Rama's life. 

History Behind Rama Navami

As per Hindu mythology, it's widely believed that Lord Rama was born on this day in Ayodhya. Some other devotees believe that Lord Rama was a reincarnation of Vishnu who descended to Ayodhya from heaven as a new born baby on this day.

How is Rama Navami Celebrated

Bhajans and kirtans are organised at devotees' homes or religious sites that are dedicated to Lord Rama. People usually visit temples to seek blessings on this day. In places like Ayodhya, processions are taken out with miniature statues of Rama placed on a cradle.

Most temples organise "Havana"—a ritual concerning fire that aims to purify the mind, body, and soul. Priests distribute sweets and fruits to the devotees in the form of "prasad". Generally, devotees observe fasting for the entire day until midnight. The fast is usually broken by consuming sweets and fruits.

Ramlila—a theatrical portrayal of Lord Rama defeating Ravana is performed in many parts of the country. The play is usually performed on an open-air stage.

Though the festival is observed across the country, the major celebrations take place at Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameswaram, and Sitamarhi. Other than Lord Rama, deities of Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman are also worshipped on this day.

Ram Navami Celebration for Upcoming Years (2026-2028)

The following table outlines Rama Navami holidays for the next years:

Dates

Day

Festival

27 March 2026

Friday

Ram Navami

15 April 2027

Thursday

Ram Navami

04 April 2028

Tuesday

Ram Navami

Best Indian Destinations to Visit During Ram Navami Holidays

The following are the top five Indian destinations to witness Ram Navami celebrations in all its glory:

  1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya is the top Indian destination to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami. According to Hindu mythology, Ayodhya is considered to be the place of birth of Lord Ram. People decorate their houses, decorate their homes and perform various religious ceremonies. A beautiful chariot procession is hosted to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami.
  1. Rameshwar, Tamil Nadu: Rameshwar is popular for its temple devoted to God Ram. It is trusted that a bridge called the Rama Setu was constructed to cross over from Srilanka to Rameshwar. People staying nearby the city of Rameshwar can consider planning a 2-3-day trip to this destination.
  1. Badrachalam, Telangana: Bhadrachalam, a place in Telangana, is popular for the Bhadrachalam temple devoted to Lord Ram. The destination, cited on the banks of the Godavari River, celebrates Ram Navami with great devotion. The temple is the centre of all Ram Navami activities.
  1. Sitamarhi, Bihar: Sitamarhi is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita. It is a significant spot for Hindu pilgrims. Janaki Mandir, a temple, is famous for celebrating the festival of Ram Navami. The temple is being decorated and also hosts a fair.
  1. Vontimitra, Andhra Pradesh: Vontimitra is a small destination in Tamil Nadu. The famous tourist destination is Kodandrama Temple, which is devoted to God Ram. This temple is a notable point to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami.

FAQs on Ram Navami

  • What are the places where major celebrations of the festival take place?

    The places where major celebrations of the festival take place are Sitamarhi, Rameswaram, Bhadrachalam, and Ayodhya. 

  • Do individuals fast on Ram Navami?

    Yes, individuals fast on Ram Navami either from midnight to midnight or midnight to noon. 

  • When is Ram Navami celebrated in 2025?

    In 2025, Ram Navami is celebrated on 6 April. 

  • Is Ram Navami a public holiday?

    Yes, Ram Navami is a public holiday. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

  • What is the significance of Rama Navami?

    Ram Navami is important because it marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival and the anniversary of Lord Rama's birth. 

  • What is a Ram Navami Shobha Yatra?

    As the name implies, a Ram Navami Shobha Yatra is a large procession held through any city to honour Lord Ram's birthday. The palki (palkhi) or palanquin, which contains Lord Ram's murti (idol), is carried by devotees. Several of them start dancing, singing bhajans, and chanting praises to Lord Ram.

  • What is the Puja Vidhi for Ram Navami?

    The Ram Navami puja begins with cleaning the puja room and decorating it. The idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman are set up with flowers and incense. Devotees recite prayers and hymns and offer prasad. 

  • How is Ram Navami celebrated?

    Ram Navami is celebrated with great fervour and devotion by devotees. They take part in processions, arrange bhajan and kirtan sessions, visit temples devoted to Lord Rama, and recite holy scriptures. This day is also marked by charitable deeds and fasting for some people.

  • How to break Ram Navami fast?

    On Ram Navami, many devotees observe the eight prahar fast, which lasts from sunrise to sunset. You can either follow the fast and break it after sunset or you can continue fasting until the puja and then resume your regular diet.

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