Ram Navami 2024 Highlights: ‘Surya Tilak’ illuminates Ram Lalla’s forehead at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Ram Temple in Sambhalpur. He said, this Ramnavami is special. After the struggle of 500 years, the grand Ram Temple was built in Ayodhya and this is the first Ramnavami after that and hence people are celebrating it with enthusiasm.I pray to Lord Ram for the development of the country, Odisha and Sambhalpur.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati shared her best wishes. "Hearty congratulations and best wishes on Ram Navami to all his followers living across the country and the world," she wrote in Hindi on X.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on Ram Navami, which is being celebrated across the country. Best wishes to the people of the state on Ram Navami, Adityanath said in Hindi in a post on X. CM also said, after a centuries-long wait, the grand temple of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya is making millions of Ram devotees happy and proud, Adityanath added.

The festival of Ram Navami was celebrated at Shree Kalaram Mandir in Nashik. A large number of devotees offered prayers here on the occasion.

Ram Lalla idol sculptor Arun Yogiraj says, "Lakhs of people are coming to do 'darshan' of Lord Ram. With the blessings of Lord Ram, even I could visit and offer prayers to Ram Lalla with my family. I never want to forget today's Surya Tilak, I want to bow down in front of the scientists who made Surya Tilak possible, I am very fortunate to have been able to witness this moment today. Scientists have been trying to make the Surya Tilak possible for four years now. I got to spend time with the scientists also, I feel extremely fortunate. We heard all this only in stories but our scientists made this possible..."

“When the entire India and the world is celebrating the Ramnavami, the leaders of INDI alliance aren't avoiding to humiliate India and its culture," said Rajya Sabha MP & BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi."West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee has made a post on social media appealing to maintain peace, this is demeaning the festival of Ramnavami as on the other religious occasions you (Mamata Banerjee) have given the message of peace, but here you are asking 'to maintain peace' instead of giving the message of peace and prosperity, by doing this you're trying to humiliate the Indian & Sanatani culture," he added.

While addressing a public meeting in Agartala, PM Modi said, "after a wait of 500 years, such a Ram Navami has come when Lord Ram is sitting in the grand temple of Ayodhya. Today, the Sun rays have illuminated the forehead of Lord Ram. It is our good luck that we are here in the Northeast where the Sun rays fall first."

Former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed, "Today, on Ram Navami, Ram symbolizes our essence. Lord Ram epitomizes India's identity. This day holds special significance as Ram Lalla is now seated in Ayodhya's divine temple after a 500-year wait. The entire nation rejoices, and we share in this happiness."

"After my Nalbari rally, I watched the Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla. Like crores of Indians, this is a very emotional moment for me. The grand Ram Navami in Ayodhya is historic. May this Surya Tilak bring energy to our lives and may it inspire our nation to scale new heights of glory," tweets PM Modi.

During the Ram Navami celebrations at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, the 'Surya Tilak' ceremony illuminated Lord Ram Lalla's forehead precisely at 12 noon, lasting for about 3 minutes. A team of scientists, commissioned by the temple trust, utilized scientific expertise to direct sunlight onto the statue's forehead using mirrors and lenses.

Excerpt: Actor and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut shared updates about the celestial event of 'Surya Tilak' at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Ram Navami. She tweeted, "The rays of the sun grace Ram Lalla's forehead in Ayodhya's Bhavya Ram Mandir as the divya Surya Kiran ceremony begins. Jai Shri Ram!" Ranaut, contesting from the Mandi parliamentary seat, expressed her commitment to her electorate.

Ram Navami 2024: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed immense happiness over the construction of the Ram temple, stating, "This is a matter of immense happiness for the entire country that the Ram temple has been constructed on the birthplace of Lord Ram." He added, "Today we are celebrating Ram Navami across the country. Lord Ram is a symbol of our history and culture...Today, with Lord Ram's blessing, we have taken the resolve to establish Ram Rajya." Gadkari also expressed gratitude towards the people of Nagpur, saying, "I consider the people of Nagpur as my family and they feel the same too. I have received a lot of love from the people of Nagpur."

At a rally in Assam, PM Narendra Modi joins the crowd in chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' as he speaks about the 'Surya Tilak' ritual performed for Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. He expresses, 'There is a new atmosphere in the entire country, and this birthday of Lord Ram has come after 500 years, when he got the privilege of celebrating his birthday in his own home.'"

Ayodhya is buzzing with the joyous celebrations of Ram Navami, the first after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in January this year. Watch live here.

Ram Mandir 2024: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, 'This year's Navami is a very important day. Everyone in Ayodhya Dham is full of enthusiasm. After almost 500 years, the program for the birth anniversary of Lord Ram is being organized with enthusiasm and excitement at his sacred birthplace. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I heartily congratulate the people of the state.'

Ram Mandir 2024 LIVE: Manish Tripathi shared insights into the specially designed outfit for Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple for Ram Navami, saying, 'First of all, I would like to wish everyone on the occasion of Ram Navami. Today’s outfit of Ram Lalla is specially designed. We have used ‘pitambar’ (yellow robe), as well as khadi and handloom to make the outfit. The symbols of the ‘Vaishno’ sect have been used in the making of the dress. Gold and silver threads have been used in the dress.'"

Ram Navami 2024: The chief priest of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Acharya Satyendra Das said that this Ram Navami is special because 'Ram Lalla is in his grand temple, unlike previous years when he used to be in the tent.' 'We have completed the preparations for Ram Navami. The temple is well decorated, and the devotees are very happy and excited. Today the Sun’s rays will also be visible on the forehead of Ram Lalla,' he added."

Ram Navami 2024: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh conveyed his congratulations and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Navami. Reflecting on the virtues of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, he highlighted the importance of integrity and sacrifice in leadership.

President Murmu emphasized the significance of Ram Navami, stating that it guides individuals towards truth and righteousness, embodying the virtues of humility, fortitude, and bravery as exemplified by Lord Shri Ram, the Maryada Purushottam.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, expressed that the Trust is overseeing all arrangements for the Ram Navami celebration, including decorations and offerings of 56 types of bhog and prasad.

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir will receive a grand total of 1,11,111 kilograms of laddoos as prasad for devotees to partake in the celebration

In anticipation of a large influx of devotees for Ram Navami, the Railway Administration initiated a special train service between Gorakhpur and Ayodhya. The Gorakhpur-Ayodhya Dham-Gorakhpur Ramnavami fair special train commenced its first journey on April 16 and will continue operations until April 18.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police has enforced traffic restrictions in the city due to the Rama Navami Shobha Yatra on April 17. Diversions are imposed along the route from Seetarambagh Temple to Hanuman Vyayamshala School, Sultanbazar, starting at 9 am.

Ram Navami 2024 LIVE: President Murmu emphasized the importance of Lord Shri Ram's values, urging the nation to embody humility, fortitude, and bravery in line with the concept of 'Ram Rajya'.

On April 17, a divine 'Divya Abhishek' ceremony took place for Ram Lalla at Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya is adorned for Ram Lalla's inaugural Ram Navami at the new temple. Significance grows with recent temple completion, promising a grand ceremony.

In commemoration of Ram Navami, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, announced that a special offering of 'Chappan Bhog' has been presented to Ram Lalla. This auspicious occasion marks a significant fair dedicated to Lord Ram, drawing devout worshippers to offer their prayers and reverence.

As Ayodhya prepares for Ram Lalla's inaugural Ram Navami celebration at the newly built temple, anticipation runs high for a special ceremony honoring the birth of Lord Ram. The significance of this year's Ram Navami is elevated by the recent completion of the temple, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

One of the highlights of the ceremony will be the unique phenomenon where sunlight will delicately touch the forehead of Ram Lalla. This celestial event symbolizes a divine blessing and adds a mystical touch to the auspicious day.

With meticulous preparations underway, the ceremony promises to be a memorable experience, drawing devotees from far and wide to witness the sacred moment when the sun kisses the forehead of Ram Lalla.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is gearing up for the grand celebrations of Ram Navami, with expectations of over 25 lakh visitors flocking to the temple to offer their prayers to the Ram Lalla idol. The newly constructed Ram temple is adorned with festive decorations in anticipation of the auspicious occasion on Wednesday.

Adding to the significance of this year's festivities, the celebration will feature the 'Surya Abhishek' of Ram Lalla, where the sun's rays will illuminate the forehead of the deity's idol at noon. This special event promises to enhance the spiritual experience for devotees attending the celebrations.

Ram Navami is being celebrated for the first time at Ayodhya's Ram Temple following the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla. Today, devotees gathered to witness the sacred rituals and offer prayers at this revered site.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra tweets "Divya Abhisheka of Ram Lalla at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, on the occasion of Ram Navami."

"We've finished all preparations for Ram Navami. The temple looks splendid, and devotees are joyous. Today, the Sun's rays will adorn Ram Lalla's forehead. This Ram Navami holds special significance as Ram Lalla resides in his grand temple, unlike past years when he was in a tent." - Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ayodhya Ram Mandir

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On Wednesday, domestic financial markets are closed in observance of Ram Navami, with all segments remaining shut. However, the multi-commodity exchange (MCX) will operate as usual during the second session. Additionally, as it is a settlement holiday, commodity account balances on April 17 will not include credits from profits made from trades or positions in commodity derivatives on April 16, nor credits from exiting option positions on April 16

Howrah Police has initiated drone surveillance in sensitive areas, while both Kolkata and Howrah Police plan to video-graph the processions. Additionally, liquor shops and bars in Howrah and West Midnapore have been instructed to remain closed. The Chief Election Commission has also mandated videography of processions involving political figures.

Devotees have gathered in Ayodhya for Ram Navami celebrations, with 'darshan' commencing at 3:30 am on Wednesday. Praveen Kumar, IG of Ayodhya Range, highlighted security arrangements, stating, "We have divided the areas into two sectors... 'Darshan' at Ram temple began at 3:30 am."

Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati will broadcast live Ram Navami celebrations at Ram Mandir on Doordarshan and large LED screens throughout Ayodhya city. The Trust's social media accounts will also provide live coverage. The public was urged to avoid unnecessary travel to Ayodhya on Ram Navami.

Today, April 17, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the 'Surya Abhishek' ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla at Ayodhya Ram Mandir is scheduled for approximately 12:15 PM. Lasting four minutes, this celestial event will see Sun rays forming a 75 mm 'tilak' on the forehead of Ram Lalla.

"On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami on Wednesday, Ram Lalla will wear yellow-colored clothes and will be offered 56 bhog," announced Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The temple will remain open for 19 hours, starting from Mangala Aarti at 3:30 am, with curtains drawn for five minutes during four bhog offerings. Das elaborated on the grandeur of the celebration, highlighting the significance of Lord Ram's presence in the newly built temple.

- Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- It falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar.
- Devotees engage in prayers, temple visits, and recitation of sacred texts.
- The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and promotes righteousness.
- Lord Rama's life inspires values of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
- It marks the conclusion of Chaitra Navratri, promoting unity among communities.
- Observances include reciting the Ramayana, fasting, and seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
- Ram Navami encourages reflection on Lord Rama's teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness.

Banks are closed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh for Ram Navami.

This year's Ram Navami in Ayodhya carries special significance, marking Lord Rama's birth anniversary and the first celebration since the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The Uttar Pradesh government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are overseeing elaborate preparations, including decorations, processions, and devotional programs. Tight security measures are in place for the festivities, with efforts to ensure sunlight illuminates Lord Ram's idol during the 'Surya Abhishek' on April 17. Residents actively participate in the preparations, making Ram Navami a vibrant celebration of faith and community.

Good morning and welcome to our live broadcast of the Ram Navami Celebration. Stay tuned for further updates as the festivities unfold!