Major Festival · Select a year for the Gregorian date
Ram Navami: Date, Madhyahna Muhurat and Birth Anniversary of Rama
Shri Rama’s janmotsav is observed at midday on Chaitra Shukla Navami. Select a year for the madhyahna puja date.
राम नवमी · · Shukla Navami
- Muhurat (2026)
- 11:57 AM to 02:16 PM
- Hindu month
- Chaitra
- Regions
- Pan-India, Ayodhya
- Deity
- Lord Rama (Maryada Purushottama), with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatara of Vishnu, in Ayodhya on Chaitra Shukla Navami. Unlike midnight janmotsavs (Krishna Janmashtami), Rama’s puja is timed to Madhyahna — the midday period when the birth is traditionally placed. Homes and temples recite Ramcharitmanas or Valmiki Ramayana, offer panakam and kosambari in South India, and take out shobha yatras. The day closes Chaitra Navratri for many families. Ayodhya, Rameswaram, and major Rama temples worldwide hold special abhishekam and aarti. A satvik fast until noon puja is common; break it with prasad after the madhyahna worship.
When is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is observed on Thursday, 26 March, 2026, Chaitra Shukla Navami. If Navami tithi prevails at local noon, that civil day is Ram Navami even when the tithi started the previous evening. Madhyahna puja for 2026: 11:57 AM to 02:16 PM. Use the year selector to see any other calendar. This date also functions as the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. Temples may begin akhand Ramayan path several days earlier and conclude on Navami.
- Date: Thursday, 26 March, 2026.
- Tithi: Chaitra Shukla Navami.
- Madhyahna puja: 11:57 AM to 02:16 PM IST (indicative).
Madhyahna puja vidhi
Bathe, set a Rama-Sita-Lakshmana-Hanuman altar, and at midday offer water, flowers, tulsi if your sampradaya permits, bhog (fruits, panakam, kheer) and aarti. Recite Rama raksha stotra, a portion of the Balakanda, or a simple “Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram” mala. In South India, panakam (jaggery-pepper drink) and kosambari are standard naivedya. If you cannot be home at noon, perform the puja at a temple during madhyahna or, if travelling, at the nearest available hour after noon while Navami still prevails.
| Practice | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madhyahna janmotsav puja | 11:12 AM – 01:38 PM | Core birth-time worship |
| Ramayana / Ramcharitmanas | Morning to evening | Akhand path may end this day |
| Shobha yatra / Rath | Afternoon–evening | Follow local police permissions |
| Breaking the fast | After noon puja | Satvik prasad |
Significance and Ayodhya
Rama is venerated as the ideal king, son and husband — maryada purushottama. Navami in Chaitra is his janma tithi in the Valmiki tradition. Ayodhya’s riverfront and temple complex host the largest public gatherings; pilgrims should plan hydration and crowd safety. For householders, the ethical reading of the day is as important as the ritual: truthfulness, restraint, and care for parents and guests. Ram Navami is a restricted holiday in many Indian states. Businesses in the Hindi belt often close or operate reduced hours.
Key sacred rituals
- Recitation of Ramcharitmanas and Akhand Ramayan Paath
- Special Puja at Madhyahna (noon) timing, the exact birth moment of Lord Rama
- Rath Yatra and Shobha Yatra processions
- Fasting and distribution of Panakam and Kosambari
Frequently asked questions
When is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is on Friday, 27 March (Chaitra Shukla Navami).
What is the Ram Navami puja time?
The indicative madhyahna muhurat is 11:12 AM to 01:38 PM IST on 27 March, the traditional birth moment of Rama.
Is Ram Navami part of Navratri?
Yes. It falls on the ninth lunar day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, closing Chaitra Navratri for many households.
Why is Rama worshipped at noon, not midnight?
Scriptural custom places Rama’s birth in the midday period (madhyahna) of Navami, unlike Krishna’s midnight janma on Ashtami.
Is Ram Navami a public holiday?
It is a holiday in several Indian states. Check your state government’s list for Friday, 27 March.
Muhurat times are indicative for IST and may vary by city sunrise and tithi. Confirm with Today's Panchang.