Sita Navami (or birth anniversary) was observed on evening of April 28 at several Caribbean mandirs. It celebrates the birth of Goddess Sita. Some mandirs plan to observe it on Saturday evening. Sita Navami falls (fell) on April 29 or 28 evening depending on location and tithe or the position of the (moon) relative to the earth. In India, it is 29 and the West on 28.
Sita Jayanti started on Friday evening. Puja was conducted by devout Hindus. Some mandirs in New York hosted a yag to worship the Goddess for her blessings. Pandit Lakhram Maharaj expounded on the life of Goddess Sita in a discourse on the Ramayana.
Sita is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth, and also the the consort of Lord Vishnu. According to the holy epic Ramayana, whose discourse is normally held for the occasion, Sita was born to King Janaka and Queen Sunayana in the kingdom of Mithila. Sita was later married to Lord Rama, who is considered as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Sita Maa was kidnapped in her kingdom by the evil Ravan and taken to Lanka. Lord Rama, his brother Latchman, and loyal servant (messenger) Hanoman and a group of other warriors rescued Goddess Sita from Ravan. She was returned to her kingdom of Ayodhya.
For Sita Navami, a Ramayana discourse was held to honor the divine couple. Devotees make offerings that include flowers, fruits, mithai or various sweets, mohanbhog, clothing, and other goodies.
According to pandits and the holy scripture, the character of Sita embodies idealism, purity, and selflessness. She is the ideal wife and mother, the epitome of feminity. Hindus are urged to model their after that of Sita.
