Salutations to Lord Rama, an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is measureless, who is of the nature of pure Consciousness and bliss, who is the consort of Sita, Master of Sri Hanuman, and the Lord of the three worlds, who took His birth at His own will in order to establish righteousness, destroy the wicked and protect his devotees. Ram Navmi or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of 'Chaitra' (March-April).

Rama was the Lord Hari Himself incarnate on earth for the destruction of Ravana. He was well accomplished, beautiful and endowed with royal marks. His glory and prowess were unlimited. He was peerless on earth, free from malice, gentle, and the protector of all His people. He always addressed them in gentle words and never used any harsh words even when somebody provoked Him. He held sway over the whole world.

IDEAL MAN
Ideals are remembered and adored for the purpose of adopting them in your own life. The Ramnavmi celebration or the Vasanta Navaratri every year is an opportune period for us to saturate ourselves with the spirit of Lord Rama. One cannot be a real worshipper of Lord Rama unless one makes an honest attempt to grow in the virtues that the Lord represents.

On the other hand, worship of Lord Rama is itself the surest means to develop such virtues. One who approaches Sri Rama with love and devotion becomes large-hearted, pure in spirit good-natured and dispassionate in thought word and deed. A true devotee of Lord Rama is His representative, with His power and His knowledge. Lord Rama was the prince of the Ikshvaku race. He was virtuous and of manly strength.

The noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of righteousness in the life of every human being. Righteousness is the spiritual spark of life. Cultivation of righteousness is the process of unfolding of the latent divinity in man. The glorious incarnation of the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Rama has exemplified the path of righteousness. Let mankind follow His footsteps and practice the ideals cherished by Him, for it is only thus that there can be everlasting peace, prosperity and welfare in this world.

THE FESTIVITY
Ramnavmi is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. However, even those who adore Lord Shiva celebrate the occasion. Some observe a strict fast on the day. Temples are decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy Ramayana is read in the temples. At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day.

In South India the 'Sri Ram Navmi Utsavam' is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and devotion. Those talented in the art of story telling narrate the thrilling episodes of the Ramayana. The Kirtanists chant the holy Name of Rama and celebrate the wedding of Rama with Sita on this great day. It is an extremely colorful ceremony, highly inspiring and instructive, too.

In Andhra Pradesh this festival is celebrated with great religious fervor. Particularly the Ramnavami Festival at Bhadrachalam, which is celebrated for ten days from 'Chaitra Suddha Saptami' to 'Bahula Padyami' (March - April). The Kalyanotsavam (wedding of Rama and Sita) celebrations attract about three lakh devotees every year. It is a day of festivity for "Ramabhaktas.

CELEBRATIONS IN BHADRACHALAM
The public worship starts with morning ablutions, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the god. People keep a fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight with fruit. Reference to keeping a strict fast on Rama Navami is found in the Kalika Purana. The 'Vrata' of Rama Navami was considered one of the five most important vratas of the ancient times. The 'Ramachandrika' and 'Vratarka' expressly state that everybody is obligated to observe this vrata, as it is the sole means of worldly happiness and salvation.

The temple celebrates the celestial wedding between Rama and Sita in a grand scale mimicking the actual event. The commentators role-play by arrogating themselves to either the bride's (Sita's) family or the bridegroom's (Rama's side). The role-play is complete in every aspect and includes every small detail, as much as human feelings are attributed to the deities - such as "Sita being shy and her cheeks blushing pink as she approaches Rama".

These celebrations are being practiced from about 400 years ago, introduced during Tana Shah's rule continued even through the Nizam's rule and still continue to this day. All the jewels used are those made by Ramadas and the natural sea water pearls used during the wedding ritual of 'Talambralu' still comes from an endowment created by the Nizam's trust.

This event is telecast live both on All India Radio and on Television for nearly three hours with good description in the commentary. The chief minister of the State also attends the Kalyanotsavam.