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Hindus celebrate Ram Navami festival

     New Delhi/Jammu: Hindu devotees on Thursday celebrated the festival of "Ram Navami" across India at the conclusion of the nine-day Navratra festival. In New Delhi, Hindu devouts thronged the temples since early morning. Devotees, both young and old, made offerings of sweets, flowers and fruits. Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama, who according to legend rid the world of demon Ravan -- the symbol of evil. On this day, temples are decorated and the idols of Lord Rama, his consort Sita and his brother Lakshman are richly adorned. Devotees in northern Jammu city also visited the temples to pray. In many households "Kanjak", a ritual in which about seven young girls, who are considered the personifications of Goddess Durga, are gathered from the neighbourhood, their feet washed and offered new clothes and gifts. Many were also seen out at rivers and streams immersing barley sowed in pots on the first day of Navratra and nourished through the nine days of worship. The barley plant during the nine-days is kept in a sacred place and offered prayers. According to belief, the growth of the plant symbolizes Goddess Durga's acceptance of prayers and her happiness for which she in turn bestows happiness and prosperity on the household. Ram Navami is also one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. The festival falls on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of March-April. Most people consider it auspicious to observe a strict fast on the day. They believe fasting will secure them a place in the heaven. It is also observed as a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty.
-April 6, 2006