What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, who was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. It falls on the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra and marks the end of Chaitra Navratri.
How it is celebrated
Devotees fast, visit temples and recite the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas. At noon, the believed hour of Rama's birth, special aartis are performed and idols of baby Rama are placed in decorated cradles.
Processions and prasad
Colourful processions with chariots carrying Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman move through towns. Ayodhya sees huge celebrations, and in South India devotees prepare panakam, a jaggery drink, and neer mor, spiced buttermilk.