Ram Navami 2024: How Do Devotees In South India Celebrates The Birth Of Lord Ram?

Chaitra Navratri, spanning nine nights, concludes with auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Put simply, Ram Navami commemorates birth of Lord Ram. As per Hindu calendar, date for occasion is falling on April 17. Just like every keynote festival in very diverse India, Ram Navami too, assumes its own particular variations, in way it is celebrated, state-wise. That being said, Ram Navami does not just enjoy special attention in North India and states like Gujarat, but is also celebrated with much pomp and show down South as well.

How is Ram Navami celebrated in South India?

Interestingly, occasion of Ram Navami in states of Tamil Nu, Karnataka, Andhra Presh, and Telangana is also considered as day of Lord Ram's marriage to Mor Sita. Rameswaram Temple, located in Tamil Nu, is a rar popular congregation spot for all devotees wanting to celebrate day.

Similarly, Bhrachalam in Telangana is also thronged by devotees wishing to worship Lord Ram with his entire family. Karnataka takes Ram Navami celebrations a step furr by performing ceremonial marriage ritual of Lord Rama and Mata Sita, also known as Kalyanam. 

Particulars of Navediyam

For unversed, Navediyam is food offering given to Hindu deity as part and parcel of rituals. Tasting food prior to offering it as pras is strictly forbidden as per trition. In South Indian states, food items like Payasam, Kosambari, Panakam and Neer Mor are rar popular picks. 

Payasam or Kheer can be me from eir rice or sabudana cooked down to a decent consistency with milk and sugar. While kheer, as per trition, is said to be a favourite for deity, Kosambari - which is a raw sal me from moong dal, cucumber, coconut and chilli - is also a rar popular option. Panakam on or hand, is a cooling drink, owing to fact that date for Ram Navami almost always falls in midst of Summer - it is a concoction of jaggery, cardamom, dry ginger, salt and black pepper. In same breath, Neer Mor or diluted buttermilk, also a cooling drink, is also offered to Lord Ram.