Rama Navami Recipes

Ram Navami is the birthday celebration of Lord Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Born into the royal household of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, Sri Ram was a favorite of the masses and enjoyed high status in the kingdom. Lord Sri Ram’s birthday is celebrated as Ram Navami and is observed in a grand manner by Hindus all over the world. The festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the Chaitra month (March-April), during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon. The temples and religious centers become a hive of activity on this day when devotees from all over come with faith and dedication in their hearts to offer worship to the divine deity.

Lord Vishnu fulfills the twin wishes of his devotees by granting them a righteous heir to the throne of Ayodhya and defeating Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. People revere him as the messiah of the masses, and the whole country celebrates his birthday with great enthusiasm and fervor. A magnificent Rathyatra (chariot procession) is held in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Ram, on this day, with thousands of devotees taking part in the proceedings.

Fasting is one of the essential rituals observed on Ram Navami, and people spend the day performing Poojas and listening to bhajans, glorifying the deeds of Lord Sri Ram. Devotees foster the belief that fasting on this day frees them from sins and helps them eventually merge with the divine. Some devotees observe a ‘Nirahar’ (no food) fast or a ‘Nirjal’ (no water) fast, and some even follow both. Many subsist on a single sattvik meal of potatoes, fruit, dairy products, and rock salt.

Here is a list of some of the traditional dishes prepared at Ram Navami.

Food Recipes for Ram Navami

Sabudan Ki Kheer

It is a favorite Indian pudding made with tapioca (sago) pearls and milk, usually consumed on holidays. The key to making this dish is to cook the food well so that the sago and milk mix well, so that it goes down smoothly.
Aalu Ki Subzi (potato curry)

It is an ideal dish to break the Rama Navami fast. The potatoes are cut into small pieces and prepared in a sauce without onion or garlic. It is usually less spicy, so it does not irritate the palate.

Singhare ki Poori

Pooris are made from water, chestnut flour and potatoes. The flour is rolled up, flattened with a rolling pin and fried in oil. It is a great accompaniment with the Aloo ki Subzi.

Sama Khichdi Rice

It is a simple and easy to prepare dish prepared with sama de chawal (barnyard millet). Everyone can enjoy healthy and wholesome food during any festival or fasting period.

Sabudhana Khichdi

It is a favorite dish made during fast days. Made from sago, this is a delicious and healthy dish that is good to eat and easy to digest.

All the dishes mentioned above are light, easy on the palate and ideal for breaking the festive fast. In addition to these, many more meals can be easily prepared and enjoyed by all members of the family. After all, festivals are joyous occasions that bring warmth and joy to the home.