The Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan celebrated the birth of the Hindu God Lord Rama with an exciting three day yagna. Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu and his birthday is celebrated all over India, particularly at the temples of Ayodhya and Pondicherry in the North of the country. The festival commenced on the ninth day of the lunar month of Chatri, with prayers, ritual blessings and invocations. Attendance was high, with a colorful and lively assembly gathered on all three days. Prasadam, flowers and garlands were brought to beautify the murtis. Chanting of ceremonial prayers to the sun and devotional bhajans were sung.

Recitations of the Ramayana, detailing the deeds of Lord Rama were listened to intently by the audience. Various episodes of his life, that of Sita his saintly wife, and Hanuman the monkey–king general who assisted Rama in his assault on the citadel of Ravana, the demon king who abducted Sita, were recounted.

The celebrations reached its peak at noon on the third day, when the birth of Lord Rama was acknowledged. It was a wonderful, fun- packed day, with even some special guests including Mr Abhay Lakhani, a parliamentary correspondent. Traditionally, these celebrations involve thousands of pilgrims, colorful processions, religious plays, prayers and ritual blessing. So make sure you’re there next year.

Raamnavmi Service in progress at MLVB