Shri Ram Navmi Celebrations At Shri Hari Mandir, 2011

Shri Ram was born on the auspicious ninth day of the bright half of the lunar month Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar. This year, this day fell on the 12th April and was celebrated with great splendour and devotion at Shri Hari Mandir.

On 11th April, the deities in Shri Hari Mandir were dressed in elegant clothes and ornaments and on Ram Navmi, the day of celebration, Shri Hari Mandir was decorated with various materials. From 11am to 12noon, the chopays (verses) describing the divine birth of Shri Ram were sung from Shri Ram Charit Manas. Thereafter, the birthday celebration followed from 12noon to 12.30pm. The Rishikumars of Sandipani, trustees, teachers and guests participated joyfully in these celebrations. After the birth of Shri Ram, Shri Shaligram Bhagavan was bathed in panchamrit (mixture of milk, ghee, yoghurt, honey and sugar) and placed in a cradle. The celebrations were completed with a aarati of Lord Shri Ram at 12.45pm.

Shrimati Indiraben Vinodbhai Sadhu had the golden opportunity of being the chief host of these celebrations, while her daughter Nimisha Sadhu was the host of the event of dhvaja rohan (hoisting of the auspicious flag) on Ram Navmi. The following devotees were also blessed with the opportunity of dhvaja rohan:

Shri Kapilbhai Sompura from Mumbai on 2nd April;

Shrimati Indiraben Vinodbhai Sadhu on 4th April; and

Shri Jivabhai Odedra from Porbandar on 11th April.