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When it happens
March
Ninth day of Chaitra Navratri (Mar–Apr). 2026: Mar 26. Region: Nationwide (esp. Ayodhya).
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Marked by temple processions, recitations of the Ramayana, and grand celebrations in Ayodhya.
Commemorates the birth of Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in the ancient city of Ayodhya, a descent intended to defeat the demon king Ravana and re-establish a reign of peace (Ramrajya).
Devotees observe fasts, clean and decorate their homes, and visit temples. Communities organize public readings of the Ramayana epic, perform devotional singing (bhajans), and lead grand chariot processions.
Performing a special mid-day puja to mark the exact time of Rama's birth, bathing small idols of infant Rama, chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama, and distributing sacred sweet water (Panakam) and prasad.
Listening to or reading the stories of Lord Rama on this day is believed to purify the mind, bring peace to the household, and instill virtues of duty, loyalty, and truth in devotees.
Celebrated for thousands of years, this festival is deeply rooted in India's classical epic literature, particularly Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.
Ram Navami fills temples across the country with a profound sense of peace and devotion. The soft sound of chants and classical hymns drifts through halls decorated with fresh mango leaves and marigolds. At mid-day, a joyful wave of bells marks the moment of the deity's birth, followed by peaceful processions that bring communities together in shared celebration.
Panakam is a traditional sweet beverage made of water, jaggery, black pepper, and cardamom, distributed during the festival to cool down devotees in the spring heat.
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Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sikkim, Ladakh, and globally across Buddhist nations.
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Celebrated extensively across Northern, Western, and Central India, as well as by Hindu communities worldwide.
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The sacred Mahamaham Tank in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
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Celebrated at the Hemis Monastery, located 45 km southeast of Leh, Ladakh (high-altitude region in Northern India).
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Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and by migrant communities.
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Across Sikkim, with the absolute cultural and ritual centerpiece performed at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace Monastery courtyard in Gangtok.
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa (Velha Goa), Goa.
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Celebrated across India, with major historical celebrations in Pawapuri and Kundalpur (Bihar), the Dilwara Temples near Mount Abu (Rajasthan), and Palitana (Gujarat).
