PM Modi, President Murmu Extend Ram Navami Greetings for Viksit Bharat

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "My fellow countrymen across the nation, unlimited best wishes on the occasion of Ram Navami. From the life of Maryada Purushottam, filled with sacrifice, austerity, and restraint, we draw inspiration to confront every situation with our full strength. His ideals will continue to guide not only the people of India but all of humanity for eternity. My wish is that by the grace of Lord Ram, the welfare of all may be ensured, paving the way for the fulfilment of our resolve for a Vikshit and Aatma-nirbhar Bharat."

President Droupadi Murmu also took to social media to wish citizens, highlighting the festival as a source of moral guidance.

"Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the sacred festival of Ram Navami! This festival inspires us to tread the path of justice, duty, and righteousness. From the life of the epitome of propriety, Lord Shri Ram, we receive the invaluable message of sacrifice, harmony, and ideal life values. Let us, by internalising his ideals, work together to build a prosperous, just, and developed India in keeping with the vision of Ram Rajya," she wrote on X.

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan described Lord Ram as the "supreme ideal of truth and unwavering propriety."

"On this sacred and glorious occasion of the birth anniversary of the epitome of righteousness, Lord Shri Ram, the festival of 'Ram Navami', heartfelt congratulations and infinite best wishes to all fellow countrymen! The life of Lord Ram, the symbol of patience, sacrifice, and devotion to justice, stands as the supreme ideal of justice, truth, and unwavering propriety for all humanity. His ideals will continue to inspire us to march forward on the path of social harmony, ethical conduct, and public service for ages to come," he wrote on X.

He further added, "May the grace of Lord Shri Ram ensure the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, the complete eradication of injustice, arrogance, and unrest from society, the creation of a better society, and the continuous progress of our nation on the path of advancement--this is the auspicious wish!"

Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two--Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri--are widely celebrated, as they coincide with the changing of the seasons. In India, Navratri is celebrated in various forms and traditions.

The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, concludes on Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Ram. Throughout the festival, all nine days are devoted to honouring the nine incarnations of the goddess Shakti.'The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honouring the goddess in her various forms.

Ram Navami is the day when Lord Rama appeared in his human and divine form, and is celebrated with great reverence and festivities all over India, but especially in the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Leading up to Ram Navami, Hindus observe the 9-day fast during the Chaitra Navaratri, which consists of abstinence from alcohol, smoking, consumption of sattvic vegetarian food and immersing oneself in prayer and meditation to let the body go through a process of detoxification.

- ANI