Ram Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
On April 1st, 2021, the Hindu community in the UK celebrated Ram Navami. The event marks the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu and a hero in Hindu mythology. In addition to its religious significance, Ram Navami is also a celebration of Hinduism’s historical connection to India. This year marked the 75th anniversary of Indian independence from British rule and it was also celebrated in other countries with large Hindu populations like Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.
What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is one of many festivals observed by Hindus throughout India and abroad. It celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu who is known for his strength and righteousness. The festival occurs on Chaitra Shukla Navami, which falls on April 1st or 2nd every year according to the Gregorian calendar.
Why do Hindus celebrate Ram Navami?
The festival marks the day when Lord Rama was born on Earth according to Hindu mythology.
Hindus believe that he was born in Ayodhya in Northern India during Treta Yuga around 5114 BCE. He was given this name because he was born under an Aśvattha tree or banyan tree (in Sanskrit). As per legend, his father King Dasharatha had been told by astrologers that he would have three sons who would each become kings after him. However, he wanted a son who would be even greater than him so that his legacy could continue forever. To ensure this happened, King Dasharatha performed several rituals during Queen Kausalya’s pregnancy including making her eat food cooked with gold coins for nine months straight.
