New Delhi: Ram Navami is one of the most pious festivals of the Hindu religion when devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Ram. This year, the auspicious day falls on April 21. Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri in the Shukla Paksha or the New Moon phase in April.

Ram Navami 2021: Significance

Lord Rama was born in the Suryavanshi Ikshvaku Dynasty family in Treta yuga, to king Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya. He was born on Navami Tithi (ninth day) of Shukla paksha of the month Chaitra.

As per Hindu scriptures, Rama is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, this is why the festival is celebrated religiously across the country amongst Hindus.

Ram Navami 2021: Date and time

This year, the Ram Navami is being observed on April 21 and will begin at 12:43 am on Wednesday and will end at 12:35 am on April 22.

Since Ram Navami is the biggest day during Chaitra Navaratri, the festival is also known as Rama Navratri.

Navami tithi will start at 12:43 am on April 21 and will end at 12:35 am April 22

Shubh muhurat

As Rama was born during the Madhyama period which prevails for about 2hrs 24 minutes, this is the most auspicious time for rituals to be performed. The timings are: 11:02 pm to 1:38 pm

How to celebrate Ram Navami at home

As temples are temporarily closed in many areas, you should celebrate Ram Navami at home, this year. Clean the mandir at home with a clean piece of clothing. Place a photo or idol of Lord Ram. Involve all members of family in the Ram Navami puja.

Traditionally young girls in the family put teeka on the forehead of all in the family.

Ganga jal, roli and aipun are sprinkled on the gods, and then rice is showered on the deities or photos of Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman Ji. After prayers, aarti and bhajans are sung. After worshipping the Lord, prasad is distributed among family members.

Many devotees do yagya or homa on Rama Navami to conclude the nine-day Chaitra Navratri.

On the auspicious day, devotees make it a point to worship Mata Kaushalya, King Dasharatha, Sita and 3 younger brothers of Lord Rama – Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. And, the puja is not complete unless you pay obeisance to Lord Hanuman, the biggest devotee of Lord Ram.