The festival of Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, revered as Maryada Purushottam, is being celebrated across India and in Odisha on Friday with deep devotion and spiritual fervour.
From major pilgrimage centres to local temples, a strong wave of religious enthusiasm has swept across towns and cities. Devotees gathering in large numbers, chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” offering prayers, and participating in bhajans and kirtans have created a vibrant devotional atmosphere.
Temples dedicated to Lord Ram have been decorated with flowers, lights, and traditional ornaments, drawing thousands of devotees throughout the day.
Grand Celebrations in Ayodhya
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, celebrations have taken on a grand scale. The holy city has been beautifully decorated, and lakhs of pilgrims have arrived to seek blessings at the Ram Mandir.
One of the major highlights of the day is the ceremonial Surya Tilak. During this unique ritual, sunlight is precisely directed onto the idol of Ram Lalla at noon, symbolically anointing the deity and enhancing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
The ritual attracts widespread attention from devotees and pilgrims visiting the temple on Ram Navami.
Odisha Witnesses Devotional Fervour
Odisha is also witnessing widespread religious observances, with temples across the state seeing a continuous flow of devotees.
Special prayers, recitations of the Ramcharitmanas, and devotional singing have created a serene and spiritual environment in many temples and religious institutions.
Devotees are participating in religious programmes, processions, and community gatherings to mark the sacred occasion.
Special Rituals at Shree Jagannath Temple
At the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, special rituals are being performed to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram.
According to temple traditions, the Sri Ram Janma Niti ritual will be conducted after the ‘Madyana Dhupa Bhoga’ offering.
In view of these rituals, public darshan at the temple has been suspended for five hours, from 5 pm to 10 pm, to allow priests to perform the ceremonies in accordance with established traditions.
Festival Celebrates Ideals of Lord Ram
Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Ram, who is regarded as the embodiment of righteousness, duty, truth, and virtue.
As celebrations unfold across the country, the festival continues to serve as a powerful expression of faith and unity, bringing millions of devotees together in devotion and reverence.
