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Revision as of 12:06, 14 April 2006 by Anthony Appleyard (talk | contribs) (tidying & links)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Rama Navami falls on the ninth day of a Hindu lunar year (or Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami). This day is observed as the birthday of Rama. People normally perform Kalyanotsavam (marriage celebration) for small murtis of Rama and Sita in their houses, and at the end of the day the idols are taken in a procession on the streets. This day also marks the end of the nine-day utsavam called Vasanthothsavam (festival of Spring), that starts with Ugadi.
Some highlights of this day are
- Kalyanam (Ceremonial wedding performed by temple priests) at Bhadrachalam on the banks of the river Godavari in Khammam district.
- Panakam, a sweet drink prepared on this day with jaggery and pepper.
- Procession of idols in the evening that is accompanied with play of water and colours.
For the occasion, Hindus are supposed to fast (or restrict themselves to a specific diet). Temples are decorated and readings of the Ramayana take place. Along with Shri Ram, people also pray to Sita (Ram's wife), Lakshman (his brother who went on exile with him) and Hanuman (monkey god, ardent devotee of Ram and Ram's chief of army).
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