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Ram Navami: Hindus celebrate Ram's birth

          Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh): Hindus prayed at temples in the early hours of Tuesday on the occasion of Ram Navami. Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Ram. He, according to legend, rid the world of the demon Ravana, the symbol of evil. In Faizabad, which neighbours Ayodhya, the mythological birthplace of Lord Ram, thousands of devotees started flocking temples since early hours to pay their respects. Most Hindu temples were decorated and idols of Lord Ram, his consort Seeta and his brother Lakshma were richly adorned. The festival falls on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight in the months of March-April. Most people considered it auspicious to observe a strict fast on the day. They believe fasting will secure them a place in heaven. It is also observed as a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty. "This is a very important festival for us. This is the auspicious occasion of the birth of Lord Ram and also the ninth day of Goddess Durga's worship. We will fast until midday, when Shri Ram is supposed to have been born at 12 o' Clock. Then we will offer obeisance and break our fast over the blessed food," said Ramgul Gupta, a devotee. "We, the devotees, feel absolutely encompassed in Lord Ram's name. Everywhere I look, I see Ram. That is the reason why nothing seems to inconvenience me, whether it is the arrangements, crowd or security. We are seeped in the devotion to Lord Ram and Seeta Maiyya (the queen and consort of Lord Ram)," said Tanuja Mandavgane, another devotee. Ram Navami is also one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. Tight security was made on the occasion following intelligence reports that militants could strike to create trouble. Security personnel were deployed at all temples and check posts erected at different entry points in the town.
- March 27, 2007

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