Ram Navami in Uttar Pradesh: A Journey Through the Ramayana Circuit

On January 22, 2024, the city of Ayodhya marked a historic milestone with the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The ceremony, performed by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, under the guidance of revered priests, was marked by Vedic chants and sacred rituals. Held on a grand scale, it was attended by thousands of devotees and dignitaries. Across the country and beyond, countless others joined in spirit, observing the moment through prayer and celebration. It was an occasion of deep, unwavering faith and heartfelt emotion for millions of devotees across the globe, making it a defining moment in Ayodhya’s timeless association with Lord Ram.

Lord Ram is a name that echoes in the heart of devotees across regions, languages and generations. His birth celebrated as Ram Navami on the ninth day of the Chaitra month (March-April), marks a celebration of righteousness, devotion, and divine presence. In Uttar Pradesh, Ram Navami has a special importance. It is the land where Lord Ram was born, lived and ruled. From temple towns to riverbanks and forested paths, every part of this land carries His presence. The Ramayana Circuit draws you into that journey, taking you across places forever etched with his story. Every stop offers a glimpse into a different chapter of his life. On Ram Navami, these places do not just mark a festival, they radiate with energy, colour, and devotion.

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is the soul of the Ramayana Circuit. Nestled on the banks of the Sarayu, the city is a spectacle to behold on Ram Navami, not just for its rituals, but for the sheer energy and devotion that fills its streets. At the heart of the city, the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is the centre of celebrations, with the main attraction being the beautiful and ornate idol of Ram Lalla. This year, Ayodhya witnessed its grandest ever celebration commemorating Lord Ram’s birth.

Visitors arriving in Ayodhya were greeted in a unique way, as drones gently spray them with the holy waters of the Sarayu, symbolically blessing them at the start of the auspicious day. In the early morning, the idol of Lord Ram received a sacred ‘abhishek’ (ceremonial bathing), followed by an elaborate ‘shringar’ (adornment) that brought the deity of Ram Lalla to life in intricate splendour. At 12 noon, the exact moment of Lord Ram’s birth, devotees gathered to witness the grand spectacle of ‘Surya Tilak’ , as the rays of the Sun gently touched the forehead of their beloved ‘Ram Lalla’, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and spiritual wonder. As the sun began to set, Ayodhya prepared for its most iconic event, the Deepotsav, organized for the first time during Ram Navami. Over 2 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) illuminated the Ram Ki Paidi, transforming the entire riverfront into a grand spectacle of celebration and faith.

Lord Ram’s journey continues southwards to Shringverpur, a quiet riverside village about 35 kilometres from Prayagraj. Once the kingdom of Nishadraj, this is the very spot from where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman crossed the Ganga to begin their 14-year exile. On Ram Navami, Shringverpur celebrated this connection with heartfelt bhajans, folk performances, and rituals that brought the devotees together. The atmosphere is rooted in warmth and devotion, reflecting the enduring bond between Ram and Nishadraj in a way that feels both personal and timeless.

Continuing along the sacred Ramayana Circuit, we arrived at Chitrakoot, a serene town that holds profound significance in Lord Ram’s narrative. Straddling the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Chitrakoot is revered as the place where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent a significant portion of their exile. The town’s tranquil ghats and dense forests echoed with tales of devotion and sacrifice. At Ram Ghat, along the Mandakini River, pilgrims gathered where Ram and Sita are believed to have performed their daily rituals. Embarking on the Kamadgiri parikrama (circumambulation) offers a profound spiritual connection. This sacred path, approximately 5 km long, is lined with numerous temples and holds deep significance for devotees. Along the route, the Lakshman Pahadi is a small hillock parallel to and east of Kamadgiri, where Lakshman is believed to have stood guard during Lord Ram and Sita’s rest . Further along, the Bharat Milap Mandir marks the poignant site where Bharat met Lord Ram to persuade him to return to Ayodhya, serving as a testament to their deep bond.

On Ram Navami, Chitrakoot marked the day with deep devotion. The town awakened to the harmonious chants of the Ramayana and soulful bhajans resonating from its temples. By evening, the town slowly shifted its focus to the riverfront. Lakhs of diyas were arranged along the Mandakini, and as night fell, they were lit and floated as part of the Deep Daan ceremony, turning the river into a shimmering canvas of light, with visitors taking in the glow and the devotion that fills the air.

The journey through the Ramayana Circuit reached Bithoor, a riverside town near Kanpur known as the place where Maharishi Valmiki wrote the Ramayan. On Ram Navami, devotees gathered at Brahmavart Ghat and Valmiki Ashram, where the Ramayan was recited, and prayers continued throughout the day. People offered flowers, light incense, and took part in the celebrations as the sound of chanting carried through the ghats and temple courtyards.

Ram Navami in Uttar Pradesh is not just a celebration; it’s an emotion and an immersive spiritual experience that brings the Ramayana to life. The Ramayana Circuit becomes a living journey during this time, as devotion fills the air, and every ritual echoes the values of Lord Ram. It’s a chance to walk through India’s spiritual landscape, walk in the footsteps of Lord Ram, and reflect on the values that continue to resonate through generations.