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Deccan Herald » Festivals>>Ramnavami
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 Ramnavami, the nine-day Hindu festival, celebrated in the month of April (Chaitra), is when Lord Vishnu took the seventh avtar and Lord Ram was born to destroy the demon King Ravana.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ram or Ramachandra and is an occasion for great rejoicing especially for the Vaishnav's. The holy books and ancient texts believe that one should fast on this day, and anyone who does not will go to the worst hell. It is also said that Rama fulfills the wishes of all those who pray to him on this day.
On this day, temples are decorated and the image of Lord Ram is richly adorned. Traditional worship begins with chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the god. Satsangs (public gatherings) are organized to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram. Excerpts from the "Ramacharitamanas", praising Lord Ram, are recited. People of all castes and creeds participate in these gatherings to listen to the stories and their explanations offered by the learned. Lord Ram's devotees, fast for nine days with fruit and milk, whilst some fast on the ninth day only. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is the focus of great pomp and celebrations. A huge fair is organized for two days. Rath yatras or 'chariot processions' of Ram and his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman, are taken out from many temples. Hanuman is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to Lord Ram and worship his forms an important part of the Ramanavami celebrations.
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