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Rama Navami falls on the ninth day of a Hindu lunar year (or Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami). This day is observed as the marraige day of Rama and Seetha as well as the birthday of Rama. People normally perform Kalyanotsavam (marraige celebration) for small idols of Rama and Seetha in their houses and at the end of the day the idols are taken in a procession on the streets. This day also marks the end of nine day utsavam called Vasanthothsavam (festival of Spring), that starts with Ugadi.
Some highlights of this day are
- Kalyanam (Ceremonial wedding performed by temple priests) at Bhadrachalam on the banks of the river Godavari in Khammam district.
- Panakam , a sweet drink prepared on this day with jaggery and pepper.
- Procession of idols in the evening that is accompanied with play of water and colours.
For the occasion, Hindus are supposed to fast (or restrict themselves to a specific diet). Temples are decorated and readings of the Ramayana take place. Along with Shri Ram, people also pray to Sita (Ram's wife), Laskhman (his brother who went on exile with him) and Hanuman (monkey god and Ram's chief of army).
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