The ninth tithi of each lunar fortnight, the foundation of Rama Navami and Durga Navami; considered an auspicious day.
Navami is the 9th tithi of each lunar fortnight. The most celebrated is Rama Navami, falling on the Shukla Paksha Navami of the Tamil month of Chittirai, marking the birth of Lord Rama. It is observed with readings of the Ramayana, temple worship and re-enactments of the Sita-Rama wedding.
Maha Navami, the ninth day of Navaratri in Purattasi, is the day Goddess Durga vanquished the demons, considered the most powerful day of the nine-night festival. It is followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra), the day of victory, when new learning and ventures are traditionally begun.
Navami is regarded as the peak of divine energy in the lunar cycle's first nine days. Ayudha Puja (worship of tools and instruments) and Saraswati Puja (worship of the goddess of learning) take place on or around Navami during the Navaratri period.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Navami?
Navami is the 9th tithi (lunar day) of each lunar fortnight. There are two per month, one in the waxing phase (Shukla Navami) and one in the waning phase (Krishna Navami). It is especially associated with Goddess Durga and the Navaratri festival.
How many Navami days are there in a year?
There are about 24 Navami days per year, two per lunar month. All dates are listed on this page.
Is Rama Navami the same as Navami?
Rama Navami (the birth of Lord Rama) falls on the Shukla Navami of the month of Panguni (Mar–Apr). The monthly Navami days occur throughout the year, two per month.
What is special about Maha Navami?
Maha Navami is the ninth day of Navaratri, the most powerful Navami of the year, when Goddess Durga's victory over evil is celebrated. It falls in the Tamil month of Purattasi or Aippasi.