Ram Navami, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, holds profound significance among Hindu festivals. Lord Ram’s birth occurs on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Preceding Ram Navami, devotees dedicate nine days to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga during Chaitra Navratri, culminating in the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth on the ninth day. As Ram Navami approaches, &TV actors, including Neha Joshi (Krishna Devi Vajpayee from Atal), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi from Babaji Ghar Par Hai), talk about the glorious legacy of Lord Rama and the celebrations, immersing themselves in the spiritual essence that this celebration carries. Neha Joshi, aka Krishna Devi Vajpayee from Atal, shares, “Ram Navami is celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the deep reverence for Lord Rama. During my childhood, I fondly remember staying up all night to attend the nearby temple, where celebrations would be in full swing. During the nine days of Navratri, I visit the temple and seek Maa Durga’s blessings. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is Ram Navami, celebrated as Lord Rama’s birthday. My grandmother recited the Ramayana, the epic story of Lord Rama’s life and adventures. This tradition helps pass down the cultural and spiritual significance of Ram Navami to younger generations. This year’s Ram Navami was particularly memorable for me. I had the opportunity to visit Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to witness the grand preparations ahead of Ram Navami celebrations, and it was a dream come true. Standing before the divine idol of Ram Lalla was a divine moment. The spiritual pilgrimage left an indelible impression on my heart and soul, enriching me. Ram Navami is a joyous occasion that brings communities together in worship, reflection, and celebration of the virtues embodied by Lord Rama. It serves as a reminder of Lord Rama’s eternal values of righteousness, compassion, and devotion, inspiring devotees to lead a life of dharma (righteousness) and service to others. ‘Jai Shree Ram!’”
Geetanjali Mishra, Rajesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “As a devout follower of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama, I start each day with respectful gestures, folding my hands before the deities, expressing gratitude, and offering prayers for the well-being of my loved ones. During Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami, I observe fasting as a deeply spiritual practice, a tradition passed down by my mother, which I faithfully uphold. This fasting period holds profound significance for me, fostering a sense of divine connection and purity. Over the years, I have come to value the transformative power of fasting as a means of body and soul purification. Throughout the festival, my diet strictly adheres to Sattvic principles, incorporating nourishing ingredients like kuttu atta, singhara atta, and fresh and dry fruits. As Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami approach, I extend heartfelt wishes to all, invoking blessings of joy, prosperity, and spiritual fulfilment. May this auspicious festival bestow blessings and divine grace upon every heart and home. Jai Mata Di! Wishing everyone a joyous Navratri and a blessed Ram Navami.” Vidisha Srivastava, Anita Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, said, “In Varanasi, Ram Navami is a special occasion that fills the streets and sacred ghats with spiritual energy. People from far and wide visit the temples dedicated to Lord Rama, such as the Sankat Mochan Temple and the Durga Kund Temple. As a child, I was fascinated by the Ram Lila, which tells the story of Lord Rama’s life and mission. In the evening, my mother would take me to the Ganges River ghats, where we would witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony, a mesmerising sight that drew pilgrims and spectators alike. This year, we will celebrate Ram Navami by performing a small pooja in our home, offering worship to a small idol or picture of Lord Rama and performing a symbolic abhishekam (ritual bathing) with water, milk, honey, yoghurt, ghee, and fruit juices, and chanting mantras praising Lord Rama’s virtues. The celebration of Ram Navami is a testament to the enduring legacy of devotion and reverence for the divine incarnations of Vishnu, inspiring hearts and minds with its timeless message of love, righteousness, and spiritual enlightenment.”
Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
