What is the story about?
Ram Navami is celebrated as the birth of Lord Ram, and is marked on the last day of Chaitra Navratri. However, there is a confusion on the dates of Maha
Navami and Ram Navami, as many are wondering it it will be observed on 26 March or 27 March.
When is Maha Navami 2026?
According to the Drik Panchang, the Navami Tithi of the Chaitra Shukla Paksha begins at 11:48 am on 26 March 2026 and continues until 10:06 am on 27 March 2026. This means Navami spans across both days, which is why there is confusion.However, in Hinduism, the Udaya Tithi is given more importance for observing fasts and festivals. Based on this, Navami will be observed on 27 March 2026, as the Tithi will be present at sunrise on that day.
When will Ram Navami 2026 be celebrated?
"Lord Rama was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Each year this day is celebrated as birthday of Lord Rama. Lord Rama was born during Madhyahna period which is middle of Hindu day," states Drik Panchang. According to mythological beliefs, he was born during the Abhijit Muhurat. On 26 March, this Muhurat falls between 12:02 pm and 12:51 pm, and the Navami Tithi will also be in effect at that time. For this reason, some scholars suggest celebrating Ram Navami on 26 March, even though it is not the Udaya Tithi.On 27 March, the Abhijit Muhurat will also occur, but the Navami Tithi will end by 10:06 am, before midday.
Navami Tithi Begins - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026
Navami Tithi Ends - 10:06 AM on Mar 27, 2026
When to break the Navratri fast
Chaitra Navratri concludes on the Dashami Tithi. According to scriptures, it is appropriate to break the fast on Dashami. If Navami falls on two days, the fast is observed on the first day and broken on the second.Accordingly, the fast will be broken on 27 March, after the Navami Tithi ends at around 10:06 am.
"Eight Prahar fasting is suggested during Rama Navami. Which means devotes should observe the fast from sunrise to sunrise. Rama Navami Vrat can be observed in three different ways, casual -which can be observed without any cause, continual - which can be observed throughout life without any desire and desirable - which can be observed to fulfill any desire," states Drik Panchang .
Method for breaking the fast
- Perform a proper puja of Goddess Durga on Navami.
- Conduct the Shodashopachar ritual along with a havan and Kanya Pujan.
- Offer food to nine young girls and give them clothes, fruits and offerings.
- Also offer donations and dakshina to Brahmins.
When is Sita Navami?
The birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, is celebrated as Sita Navami or Sita Jayanti. According to Drik Panchang, "Sita Jayanti is celebrated on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Vaishakha month. It is believed that Goddess Sita was born on Tuesday in Pushya Nakshatra. Goddess Sita was married to Lord Rama who was also born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. On Hindu calendar Sita Jayanti falls after one month of Rama Navami."Sita Navami: 25th April, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
