Rama Navami
Rāma Navami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Rāma as well as the wedding day of Lord Rāma & Sīthā. It falls on the ninth day of the Chhaithra month. On this occasion, devotees worship Lord Rāma, fast or restrict themselves to a specific diet. On this day temples hold special prayers, readings of Rāmāyaṇa and chanting of Vedhic Mantras. People also perform Kalyāṇothsavam (marriage celebration) for idols of Lord Rāma and Sīthā in their houses and take the idols for a procession at the end of the day as a part of its celebrations. Water and colours are sprinkled during the procession. This day also marks the end of nine day uthsavam called Vasanthothsavam (festival of spring which starts with Ugādhi). A special drink called Pānaka is prepared with of jaggery & pepper to mark the occasion. Among the various festivities in Indian, noteworthy is the ceremonial wedding of Lord Rāma & Sīthā performed by the temple priests on the banks of river Godhāvari (Khammam District).
