Everything you must know about Ramnavmi: History, Importance, Rituals, & Fasting Recipes

Ramnavmi is one of the most divine festivals celebrated in India. Shri Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh incarnation, was born on this day. Ram was the personification of integrity, truth, courage, and valor. He is described as being of sound mind, attractive, highly intelligent, charming, and a wonderful archer.

The ninth day of the month of Chaitra, which is the ninth day after the new moon in the Shukla paksha, is Ram Navami. This year, Ram Navami happens to be on April 10th. The festival is very religiously celebrated. Thousands of devotees gather at sacred sites associated with Ram, such as Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Rameshwaram. Thousands of people bathe in the sea in Rameshwaram before worshipping at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Fairs are held all throughout North India in conjunction with the event, which culminates in spectacular fireworks.

The actual ceremonies are performed at noon because Ram was born at noon, although the preparations begin in the morning. Bhajans are sung in appreciation of Ram, Sita, and Laxman. Their photographs or idols are placed on a square plinth alongside Ganeshji. Flowers adorn the entire region, and kumkum (vermilion powder), rice, and flowers are used to worship the Lord. 

Source: Indian Holiday Private Limited

After then, everyone takes a seat and chants the Lord's name. The birth of Ram is celebrated with a flower shower on the idols at 12 o'clock sharp. The conch shell is blown to commemorate the Lord's birth, and its deep sound adds to the occasion's grandeur. Turns are taken to perform the aarti. The singing continues, then kapur (camphor) is placed in the ignited flame, followed by the recitation of appropriate shlokas (chants) in unison.

Source: Trawell.in

Devotees pray for peace, wealth, and success on this day, and seek Rama's divine blessings. Ram Navami is also the ninth day of Navratri when worshippers celebrate Ram Navami by feeding the hungry.

Source: ThePrint

On this day, Hindus also undertake Kanya Puja rites, in which nine girls are called to their homes and paid respect because Hindus believe they are manifestations of Devi. After the puja procedure, a prasad of sooji halwa, kala chana, and puri is cooked and served to the females.

Source: NDTV Food

Many people fast on this auspicious day in order to achieve purity. From Ugadi to Ram Navami, the more devoted fast for nine days. The goal of the fast is to pursue enlightenment as a human being, not to ask for particular favors from the deity. Fruits and special delicacies are the only things they eat during the afternoon fast. Sweets, of course, play an important role. Puris are made with kootu or singhara flour.

Here are some scrumptious recipes for fasting, you must try!

1. Arbi ki Kadhi Recipe

This is an exclusive Chef Sanjay Kapoor recipe. The process is as below.

• Cool arbi slightly, peel and cut into half-inch-thick slices. Take yogurt in a bowl. Add water chestnut flour and whisk well till properly blended.
• Add rock salt, red chili powder and turmeric powder and mix again. Add two cups of water and whisk well.
• Heat sufficient oil in a kadhai and deep fry arbi till golden brown.
• Drain and place on absorbent paper. Set aside. Heat two tablespoons oil in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds and dry red chilies.
• When cumin seeds begin to change color, add the yogurt mixture. Cook for five minutes, stirring continuously.
• Add the fried arbi pieces and mix. Continue cooking for five more minutes or till you get the desired consistency.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Panakam Recipe

It's a refreshing drink from South Indian cuisine that's produced specifically for Ram Navami. Making panakam is simple, and you can adjust the amount of water, lemon juice, and a few spice powders that go into it to suit your needs. In the scorching summer, this drink is not just refreshing but also nutritious for your body.

3. Khajoori Farhali Laddoo Recipe

This recipe is again by the great Sanjay Kapoor.

• Heat ghee in a non-stick kadhai. Add almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, and semolina and saute for 6-8 minutes on low heat. Add dates and mix well.
• Add green cardamom powder, sugar, and coconut and mix well. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and keep it aside to cool.
• Divide into small equal portions and shape into laddoos and serve.

4. Ekadashi Jeera Aloo Recipe

This dish is one of the most popular fasting recipes in India for any kind of fast. And for that reason can be made in many different forms as well. As per the recipe of Chef Sanjay Kapoor, it is as follows:

• Heat the oil in a non-stick kadhai; add the cumin seeds and curry leaves and sauté till they begin to change color.
• Add the potatoes, salt, rock salt, and green chilies and sauté over medium heat for two minutes. Cover and cook over low heat till the potatoes are completely done and well browned.
• Add the coriander leaves, lemon juice, and half the coconut. Toss well to mix. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining coconut.

5. Sweet Potato Halwa

It's an easy dish that requires little work aside from stirring the halwa. A great way to enjoy this delicious and healthy root vegetable, which is high in vitamin A. Sweet potato is high in nutritional value as well as taste. The recipe for this sweet dish is as under:

• To begin, boil the sweet potatoes (shakarkandi).
• Peel and mash them when they're warm.
• In a kadai or pan, heat the oil or ghee.
• Remove them once they've turned golden and set them aside.
• Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the same oil.
• Stir thoroughly and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes after adding the sugar.
• Stir in the crushed cardamom now.
• Stir in the saffron.
• Continue to mix and cook the halwa until the oil or ghee begins to leave the sides of the halwa. On a low to medium flame, this will take around 10-12 minutes.
• Finally, add the fried cashews and stir once more.
• Sweet potato halwa can be served hot, warm, or cold.