Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama is a major Hindu festival celebrated all over the country by devout Hindus, both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu was born on the ninth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (March-April) in Ayodha, in the Treta Yuga or the Second Age. Vishnu is the God, who is desireless, formless, eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, blissful, the supreme spirit, whose shadow is the world; who incarnates himself as Rama or Krishna and is the guiding force for all activities; who is affectionate to his devotees; who in his mercy refrains from anger against those whom he loves and knows to be his own. Adi Kavi, Valmiki, in his celebrated Ramayana, describes the advent of Rama.

The Ramnavami festival offers us an opportunity to imbibe at least some of the ideals and spirit enshrined in Rama. On this great day Lord Rama is worshipped, prayers are offered to him and it is the sure way of imbibing his ideals. One who approaches his lotus feet with love, devotion and humility becomes noble; large hearted, pious, peaceful, and master of the senses and the beloved of the wise. On this sacred day one should offer fast and practice charities. One should visit the temple of Rama early in the morning after bath, etc. You can also install a picture of Sri Rama in your shrine at home and offer prayers and puja.

In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, grand scale celebrations are organized; the temples are decorated, Ramayana is read and recited and a grand fair is held. At other places idols of Rama, along with Sita and Hanuman is richly adorned and worshipped and other acts of devotion and piety are observed. Chanting of the holy Sankirtan and holding of lectures and discourses on Rama's life and teachings, for the benefit of the audience, is a common feature of the celebrations. On this occasion people take vow to devote themselves more to their spiritual and moral evolution. 'Rama Nama' is a great magic formula (mantra) and is like a wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa vriksha), and must be repeated, recited and meditated upon every now and then.

Ramnavami is also celebrated as the Vasant Navratra and the celebration starts from the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra and lasts upto Ramnavami. On Asthami or eight day, Durga is worshipped. A fast is observed during the nine days and Durga - saptshati is read and an earthen vessel filled with water is installed and in the plate barley seed is sprouted and worshipped. Some observe the fast only on the first and last day during this period. Legends hold the view that Rama and Lakshmana also worshipped Mother Durga before killing Ravana. Those who wish to achieve something worthwhile in life should seek the Mother's grace and Ramnavami is the proper occasion for it, both Rama and Devi symbolize the victory of good over evil.