'The whole world is but one family' - Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

April 2010 Vol. 7 No. 10
Ram Navami
Festivals of the Month
The birth anniversary of Lord Rama is known as Ram
Navami. It is celebrated in the month of Chaitra,
which usually falls in March or April according to the
Hindu calendar. This year Ram Navami falls on 3rd
April. Ramnavami is dedicated to the memory of Lord
Rama. It occurs on the ninth day (Navami). The festival
commemorates the birth of Rama who is remembered
for his prosperous and righteous reign. Ramrajya (the
reign of Rama) has become synonymous with a period
of peace and prosperity.
Celebrations
It is celebrated with great devotion across the nation
and every region has its own regional significance
behind the celebration. The public worship starts with
morning ablutions, chanting Vedic Mantras dedicated
to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the God.
People keep a fast throughout the day, breaking it
only at midnight with fruits. In some parts of India,
especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, public gatherings
called Satsangs are organised to commemorate the
birth of Rama. The pilgrims flock the temples of
Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where Rama was born and
participate in Ramnavami festivities. Excerpts from
the Ramacharitamanas are recited on the occasion.
Ram Leela (the play depicting the major life events of
Rama) are organized in different parts of the country.
The highlights of the festival are these Ram Leela
and colourful processions with brilliant floats of
Rama. His consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and the
*Parveen
great devotee Hanuman are taken out in the streets of
different states. People visit sacred places associated
with Lord Ram during this holy time. Places like
Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, attract thousands
of devotees across the country.
Hanuman Jayanti
In Hindu Mythology,
Hanuman is regarded
as the God of
power, strength and
knowledge. He is
known as the ‘Param
Bhakt’ of Lord Rama
and is the incarnation
of Lord Shiva. He
was born to Kesari
and Anjani on the
Chaitra Shukla
Purnima (Chaitra
Shukla Purnima is
the Full Moon Day on
the Hindu Calendar
Month of Chaitra) that is why, he is known as ‘Kesari
Nandan’ and ‘Anjaneya’. The philosophy of epic
Ramayana is incomplete without the understanding of
the unfathomable devotion of Lord Hanuman for Shri
Rama. Hindu Mythology says, He is the incarnation
of Lord Shiva the God of Destruction, the Third God
of Hindu trinity. Lord Hanuman is regarded as the
son of Hindu Deity ‘Vayu’ (the wind). He was taken
by ‘Vayu’ to Lord Sun to gain Vedic, Shastra’s and
moral knowledge. He gained His whole knowledge
from Lord Sun, as He was considered as omniscient
on the planet earth. As per the mythology, Hanuman is
invincible and blessed to be immortal. The supremacy
possessed by Him is very beautifully described in
Ramayana, during the Ramayana war of Lord Rama
against the mighty Ravana. The Sundara Kanda, the
fifth book in the Ramayana, focuses mainly on the
adventures of Hanuman.
Celebrations
This holy day starts with rituals mainly performed in
Hanuman Temples. This year Hanuman Jayanti falls
on 9th April. People visit temples to perform rituals
and there they attend Bhajans, Satsangas and read
out aloud ‘Hanuman Chalisa’. They also spend the
entire day reciting certain ‘Japa’ of Ram, Hanuman.
Hanuman’s birth is an auspicious day for the entire
Hindu community as they mark their gratitude for