The last and ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is also celebrated as Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of the first month of the Hindu calendar and typically falls in March or April. To mark this special day, many devotees visit the Ram temple to participate in the birthday celebrations. Devotees also perform puja at home and observe fasting (vrat) on this special day. Read on to learn everything about Ram Navami 2024 date, puja time, significance, and how to observe fasting on this day.
Ram Navami 2024 Date:
This year, Ram Navami is observed on April 17, 2024, which falls on a Wednesday.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: 3 Expert-Recommended Food Tips To Plan Your Routine This Festive Season
Ram Navami 2024 Puja Time:
Navami Tithi Begins - 01:23 PM on Apr 16, 2024
Ram Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 11:03 AM to 01:38 PM (02 Hours 35 Mins)
Ram Navami Madhyahna Moment - 12:21 PM
Navami Tithi Ends - 03:14 PM on Apr 17, 2024
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
Ram Navami 2024 Significance:
Lord Ram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Each year this day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ram with great joy and enthusiasm. As per sources, it is believed that Lord Ram was born during the Madhyahna period which is the middle of Hindu day. Madhyahna is the most auspicious time to perform Ram Navami Puja rituals. Many devotees also observe fasting on Ram Navami.
Also Read: Navratri 2024: 8 Important Vrat-Friendly Foods That Should Be In Your Kitchen
Foods You Can Eat On Ram Navami 2024:
Some people observe a fast on Ram Navami. According to ramnavami.com, fasting durations and types that can be held on this day include fasting until noon, eating only once during the day and fasting till midnight. Foods you can consume during vrat include fruits, potatoes (cooked without turmeric, garlic, ginger or onion), curd, tea, coffee, milk, and water. Sendha namak (rock salt) is used for the preparation of food for Ram Navami fast.
Dahi Aloo can be consumed if you are observing a fast. Photo Credit: iStock
Many people also observe Kanjak Puja or Kanya Pujan on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri.
Here are some special foods that are traditionally part of the Kanjak Puja:
1. Halwa
Freshly prepared sooji ka halwa is an essential part of the kanjak puja bhog. You can prepare plain halwa or add raisins and coconut pieces to enhance the flavour. Here is the full recipe.
2. Chana
The sweet halwa is paired with black or white sukhe channe (dry chickpeas) prasad. The flavourful chickpeas have a dry preparation and there is no gravy. Here is the full recipe.
3. Puri
Kanjak bhog is served in such a way that two or three puris are layered and the halwa and the channa are topped over it. So, a soft and fresh puri is the base of your prasad. Here is how to make tasty puris at home.