Why is Ramnavami 2024 Extra Special?

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When will Ram Navami be celebrated in 2024?
According to the Hindu calendar, Ramnavami falls on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month. This is also the last day of Chaitra Navratri.
If matched up to the Georgian calendar, this day falls somewhere between March and April. This year, Ramnavami is on April 17, 2024.

Importance of Ramnavami in India?

Ramnavami is a special celebration in India because it honors the birthday of Shri Rama.
In his righteous life in society, Shri Ram has gone through many ups and downs. But always upheld his dharma to become the very force of goodness that wins over all the evils.
His birthday in India is one of the most joyous events in Sanatan Dharma all over the world. This happy event brings people together, showing unity and cultural togetherness.
People, on this day, show their love and respect for Shri Ram by fasting, praying, and reading the Ramayana, asking for peace and happiness.
Shri Ram’s life teaches us about being good leaders and kind people.

Why is Ramnavami in 2024 extra special?

Back in Treta Yug, Queen Kaekai asked King Dashrath three things
1. To make Bharath crown prince of Ayodhya
2. To send Shri Rama to exile
3. To not make Rama the king of Ayodya
Years later in the 16th century, Ram Mandir on Ram Jamna Bhumi was demolished and Babri Masjid was built upon the same land.
In both these events, we the people lost our Shri Ram.
In the first event, the people of Ayodhya waited 14 long years for Shri Rama to come back home. But they were still lucky.
Because in Kaliyug, the wait was so much longer than 14 years.
In the second event, the Hindus filed their first case to bring back Shri Rama to his Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya in 1885. But the people of Sanatan struggled for almost 5 centuries to finally win the case in 2019.
500 years… this time, we, the people of Shri Rama, had to wait 500 long years for him to come back to his Janmabhoomi.
But even though late, that special day came on 22nd January 2024
And this time, the Sanatanis are no longer just happy and excited for Shri Ram's birthday…
We are ecstatic…
Because Ram Lalla is no longer living in a tent.
Rather he is standing in all his glory in the grand and splendid temple in Ayodhya.
And that's why Ram Navami is extra special in 2024.
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How Is Ayodhya Celebrating Ram Navani in 2024?

Ayodhya is the birthplace of Raja Ram. So, obviously, every year the city is lit like a newly wedded bride. The birthday celebration of Shri Ram begins days before Ram Navami and continues for a few days even after the special day.
All through these days, bhajans are sung with praise and love. Oil lamps are lit and people join the long and joyous processions that tour through the length and breadth of the city. A large number of devotees come from across the world to witness the lights and colors of the Ayodhya city on Ramnavami.
But every year the most notable events of Ram Navami celebrations are Saryu Aarti and Ram Leela - an elaborated theatrical performance of Ramayan. Thousands of people from around the world watch this play.
This year, since the Ramnavami is extra special, we can expect added charm to the festival.
On the day of Ramnavami, exactly at 12 'o'clock noon, the temple will project the sunlight on Ram Lalla's forehead, making it look like a Surya Tilak. This ceremony will last for up to 3 to 6 minutes.
The timing of this event has to be exactly precise. Because Shri Ram was born exactly at noon on the ninth day of Chaitra Month.
The trial run of Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla's murti is already run on April 8 as 'Surya Abhishek'. This event intends to test the mechanisms that are auto-tuned for every Ram Navami for the next 100 years.

What Personal Rituals Should People Follow on Ramnavami 2024?

1st Ritual to Follow on Ram Navami
On Ram Navami, decorate your homes with lights and flowers.
Hang a toran of fresh marigold flowers and mango leaves at the entrance and create rangoli designs.
Do pooja of Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Shri Lakshman, and Shri Hanuman.
After that, sing Ram Bhajans and Ram Stuti. Visit Shri Ram's temple.
Ram Navmi is also the last day of Chaitra Navratri. So, if you observe fasts during these nine days, then break your fast on this day after performing the pooja for Maa Durga.
Serve her Halwa Puri and Black Chana as a prasad.
2nd Ritual to Follow on Ram Navami
Organise and Attend Satsangs to recite Ramayana.
You can also read Ram Charita Manas all by yourself for your family.
Since the epic is quite long, you can begin a few days before and end it on the day of Ram Navami. At the end of the epic, you can also chant Ram Raksha Strota or Vishnu Sahastrnama. Both of these chants have immense benefits.
3rd Ritual to Follow on Ram Navami
Quit one bad habit
Shri Rama's life is evidence that if one prevails, one can overcome evil. He fought with Ravana to save his wife and bring her home.
While we may not have a real ten-headed Ravana in our lives who has captured someone in our family, we do have bad and unhealthy habits that may be slowly nibbling away at our life and happiness. So, use this day to identify one such habit and commit to quitting it.
4th Ritual to Follow on Ram Navami
Plant a tree
The forest provided shelter to Shri Rama during his exile. In modern times, forests help create a clean, healthy, and liveable environment for us. They make the weather pleasant, help sustain wildlife, and make our Earth beautiful.
So while you may not be able to plant an entire forest, you can plant one tree in your garden, in your locality, or in a public garden to thank Mother Nature for everything that it does for you.
5th Ritual to Follow on Ram Navami
Let go of grudges
Kaikeyi sent Shri Rama to live in the forest for 14 years. During those years, he endured many hardships, including a threat to Sita's life. Yet, he did not seek to take revenge or disrespect her after his return from the canvas. With time, Kaikeyi herself realized the errors of her ways and apologized to Shri Ram. We all have Kaikeyis in our lives.
Ramnavmi is also auspicious for buying new beginnings:
On this day, you can buy vehicles, gadgets, and properties. And if you want to inaugurate your new office and perform a housewarming ceremony, Ramnavami will be the best day for you.

Why Is Lord Shree Ram One of the Most Loved Deities in Sanatan Dharma?

Shree Ram is beloved in Sanatan Dharma for many reasons
  1. He is the personification of virtue, known as Maryada Purushottama. He is the picture of righteousness and moral values.
  1. As an ideal king, Shree Ram's fair and just rule in Ayodhya inspires leaders and individuals alike.
  1. He is the 7th avatar of Shri Vishnu, born in Treta Yuga. He represents the eternal battle of good versus evil. Lord Ram's unwavering devotion to duty and truth and his integrity and selflessness are inspirational for people even today.
  1. Shree Ram's life is a message of compassion, forgiveness, and humility. His life lessons are relevant even today.
  1. Shree Ram is for everyone. His love and compassion know no boundary of countries, communities, cast, creeds, and gender. This nature of his makes him a cherished deity whose story transcends time and borders.

Five Ram Mantras You Can Chant on This Ramnavami -

Chanting mantras dedicated to Shri Rama on Ram Navami is a beautiful way to invoke his blessings and deepen one's spiritual connection.
Here are five Ram mantras that you can chant on this auspicious day:
  1. Om Sri Ramaya Namah - This mantra invokes the divine presence of Shri Rama and is a simple yet powerful way to express devotion and seek his blessings for strength, courage, and righteousness.
  1. Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram - Chanting this mantra repeatedly is a form of bhakti (devotion) and helps in focusing the mind on Shri Rama's divine qualities, victory, and auspiciousness.
  1. Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Sita Ram - Including Sita's name in this mantra honors the divine union of Shree Rama and Goddess Sita, symbolizing love, harmony, and devotion in relationships.
  1. Sri Rama Gayatri Mantra -
"Om Dasarathaye Vidmahe Sita Vallabhaya Dheemahi Tanno Rama Prachodayat"
This is the Gayatri mantra dedicated to Lord Rama. Chanting this mantra invokes divine wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and divine grace.
5. Ram Raksha Stotram - Ram Raksha Stotram is a hymn composed in praise of Lord Rama's protective powers. It safeguards you from harm and negative influences. Know more benefits of Shri Ram Raksha Stotram from here.

Conclusion #

Remember to chant these mantras with sincerity, focus, and devotion, allowing the vibrations of the sacred sounds to purify the mind and heart while seeking Shri Rama's blessings on Ram Navami and beyond.

In conclusion, Ram Navami holds deep meaning for everyone who celebrates it. It's not just about ceremonies; it's a reminder of doing what's right, staying devoted, and coming together as one big family.

As we pray and enjoy the festivities, let's also remember the lessons from Lord Rama's life: Be good, Kind, Righteous, and Strong in tough times.

May Shree Rama's blessings bring us peace, happiness, and togetherness, guiding us to always choose love and goodness. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Ram Navami!

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