Ram Navami 2024: Date, Legend, & Significance

Ram Navami 2024 Date & Madhyanha Muhurat

The Navami Tithi falls at the time of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. Madhyahna is the period during the day in which Lord Ram was born. This time is considered auspicious to conduct Rama Navami rituals. The midpoint moment of Madhyahna is the exact moment of the Lord’s birth as per sacred temples and scripts. During this moment, people hugely chant Lord Ram’s name. Below are the date and muhurats for the day:

Rama Navami:  April 16, 2024, Tuesday

Rama Navami Madhyanha Muhurat: 11:36 AM to 02:16 PM (02 Hours 40 Mins)

Rama Navami Madhyanha Moment: 12:56 PM

Navami Tithi Starts: 03:53 AM on Apr 16, 2024

Navami Tithi Ends: 05:44 AM on Apr 17, 2024

For more such auspicious muhurats, refer to our Hindu Panchang.

Rama Navami Story

King Dasharatha of Ayodhya had three wives, namely Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. However, none of them could give birth to a male child. The King desired such a child who could be an heir to his throne and take care of the empire. Many years of marriage passed by with no luck of being a father.

Later, the renowned Sage Vashistha suggested the King to conduct Puthra Kameshti Yagna, the sacred ritual that can bless one with offspring. King Dasharatha granted Maharshi Rushya Shrunga to perform the Yagna in the most elaborate way possible. The King was given a bowl of Payasam (a sweet made of milk and rice) and requested to share it among his wives. The King handed out half of the sweet in the bowl to his wife Kaushalya and the other half to wife Kaikeyi. Both these wives distributed half of their food to Sumitra. This uneven share of the holy Payasam resulted in one son being born to both Kaushalya and Kaikeyi each. Sumitra, however, gave birth to twin sons.

The glory of this day led to a pinnacle of celebrations in Ayodhya. Everyone residing there, along with the royal family, breathed a sigh of relief and expressed gratitude to God for the miracle. Little did they know that God himself was being gifted to them in the form of Lord Rama, the newly born son of Kaushalya.

Ram Navami Significance & Parade

As you may have known, Lord Ram is said to be the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu. He was born during a period when the vile King Ravana was tormenting his people and spreading Adharma (evil) over Dharma (righteousness). Lord Rama destroyed Ravana in a battle and restored peace on the day of Dussehra.

In North India, devotees carry out the Ram Navami Rath Yatra parade that draws a massive crowd. One can see the statues of Lord Ram in Chariot, along with Devi Sita, brother Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman. Many people participate in the parade by dressing up in ancient costumes.

Ram Navami Celebrations

In many regions of India, people arrange events wherein they have bhajans and kirtans, along with distributing Prasadam after Puja rituals. One can see decked up temples across the country embellished in beautiful flowers and lights. Devotees pay their homage to the Divine and chant mantras during the day. Special Havans are also organised, during which they offer flowers and fruits while continuing the Vedic chants.

Many people arrange a grand feast at the end of the day’s celebration. Devotees in the number of thousands crowd many temples wherein the idols of Rama are placed in cradles. Prayers are offered, and the Lord’s birthday is celebrated with huge religious pomp. Hindus also conduct fasting on this festival, as it is believed to bring the blessings of Shri Ram. The fasting time begins in the morning and ends the next morning of Ram Navami. In this way, the festival of the birth of Lord Rama – Ram Navami 2024 is celebrated all over India – the land of Bharata.

May the Lord bestow everyone with his Divine grace. Happy Ram Navami!

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