Devotees Celebrate Ram Navami and Chaitra Navratri Across India

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, thousands of devotees gathered at the Ashta Bhuji Temple on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami, a day celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. The temple, a site of spiritual significance, echoed with chants and prayers as people from all backgrounds came to offer their devotion.

Special ceremonies were conducted, with devotees lighting lamps, performing rituals, and reciting sacred mantras in honor of Lord Rama. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri also saw the traditional 'Kanjak' ritual, where young girls were worshipped as symbols of Goddess Durga's strength and purity.

This day, marking the end of the nine-day festival, is dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy. Hindu families invite young girls into their homes, wash their feet, and offer them food, clothes, and gifts as a gesture of respect.

These young girls, typically aged 2 to 10, are considered 'Kanjaks' or 'little goddesses,' believed to bring blessings of prosperity and protection. Many devotees observed fasting, while others performed traditional prayers and chanted mantras to honor the goddess.

The temple, known for its cultural heritage, experienced a large turnout, with visitors from across the country. Local businesses around the temple also saw increased activity. In Ayodhya, devotees flocked to the Hanumangarhi Temple to offer prayers on Navami.

Drones were used to monitor the large crowds arriving at the Ram Janmbhoomi temple to see Ram Lalla on Ram Navami. One devotee shared their experience of visiting Ayodhya for the first time and taking a holy dip in the Saryu river with their family.

Navami, a day dedicated to Goddess Durga, is considered a time for devotees to pray for strength, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga, who is believed to grant meditative abilities.

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. Hindus observe four Navratris annually, but Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are the most widely celebrated, coinciding with seasonal changes. The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, culminates on Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram.