Ram Navami 2026: date, timings and festival details

Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama and falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri, closing the nine-day observance.

Ram Navami follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts each year, usually landing in March or April. The festival is traditionally marked around madhyahna, the midday hour when Rama is believed to have been born, but the exact clock time for that muhurat also varies by year and by the panchang used. In 2026 it fell on Thursday, 26 March, with the midday window from about 11:13 am to 1:40 pm in New Delhi; Ayodhya's Ram temple observed it on Friday, 27 March, with the Surya Tilak at 12:00 noon. For a later year, check a current panchang or Ayodhya's official temple announcements.

• Ayodhya — the most significant site given Rama's traditional birthplace; expect very large crowds and tight security around the Ram temple precinct.
• Rameswaram and other Rama-linked pilgrimage sites hold their own observances.
• Temples across India hold recitations of the Ramayana and processions.

• Dense crowds and queues for darshan.
• Security checks around the temple precinct.
• Road closures near the temple during peak hours.
• Book accommodation well ahead of the date.

• Confirm current entry and darshan rules before travel, since they can change year to year.
• Travel with a guide who knows the current crowd-management routes.
• Plan for early-morning visits where possible.