Rama Navami is predominantly a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. The day is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra (Hindu calendar). As per the Gregorian calendar, the day usually falls between the months of March and April. Rama Navami in 2020 falls on the 2nd of April (Tentative date).
Rama Katha recitals, taking out a procession dedicated to Lord Rama, offering prayers in temples and at homes are some of the major customs that are followed on this day.
| Date | Day | Festival |
| 02 April 2020 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
Other Holidays in April 2020 in India
The History Behind Rama Navami
As per Hindu mythology, it’s widely believed that Lord Rama was born on this day in Ayodhya. Some other devotees believe that Lord Rama was a reincarnation of Vishnu who descended to Ayodhya from heaven as a new born baby on this day.
How Is Rama Navami Celebrated?
Bhajans and kirtans are organised at devotees’ homes or religious sites that are dedicated to Lord Rama. People usually visit temples to seek blessings on this day. In places like Ayodhya, processions are taken out with miniature statues of Rama placed on a cradle.
Most temples organise “Havana”—a ritual concerning fire that aims to purify the mind, body, and soul. Priests distribute sweets and fruits to the devotees in the form of “prasad”. Generally, devotees observe fasting for the entire day until midnight. The fast is usually broken by consuming sweets and fruits.
Ramlila—a theatrical portrayal of Lord Rama defeating Ravana is performed in many parts of the country. The play is usually performed on an open-air stage.
Though the festival is observed across the country, the major celebrations take place at Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameswaram, and Sitamarhi. Other than Lord Rama, deities of Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman are also worshipped on this day.
List of Monthly Holidays 2020
Ram Navami Holidays 2021-2028
The following table outlines Ram Navami holidays for the next years:
| Date | Day | Festival |
| 21 April 2021 | Wednesday | Ram Navami |
| 10 April 2022 | Sunday | Ram Navami |
| 30 March 2023 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| 17 April 2024 | Wednesday | Ram Navami |
| 06 April 2025 | Sunday | Ram Navami |
| 27 March 2026 | Friday | Ram Navami |
| 15 April 2027 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| 04 April 2028 | Tuesday | Ram Navami |
List of Trading Holidays 2020
Best Indian Destinations To Visit During Ram Navami Holidays In 2020
The following are the top five Indian destinations to witness Ram Navami 2020 celebrations in all its glory:
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya is the top Indian destination to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami. According to Hindu mythology, Ayodhya is considered to be the place of birth of Lord Ram. People decorate their houses, decorate their homes and perform various religious ceremonies. A beautiful chariot procession is hosted to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami.
- Rameshwar, Tamil Nadu: Rameshwar is popular for its temple devoted to God Ram. It is trusted that a bridge called the Rama Setu was constructed to cross over to Srilanka to Rameshwar. People staying nearby the city of Rameshwar can consider planning a 2-3 day trip to this destination.
- Badrachalam, Telangana: Bhadrachalam, a place in Telangana, is popular for the Bhadrachalam temple devoted to Lord Ram. The destination, cited on the banks of the Godavari River, celebrates Ram Navami with great devotion. The temple is the center of all Ram Navami activities.
- Sitamarhi, Bihar: Sitamarhi is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita. It is a significant spot for Hindu pilgrims. Janaki Mandir, a temple, is famous for celebrating the festival of Ram Navami. The temple is being decorated and also hosts a fair.
- Vontimitra, Andhra Pradesh: Vontimitra is a small destination in Tamil Nadu. The famous tourist destination is Kodandrama Temple, which is devoted to God Ram. This temple is a notable point to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami.
Holiday Destinations In India
