As they did in Guyana and the Caribbean, Caribbean Hindus in America celebrated the birth of their favorite God, Lord Rama (Naumi or Navami) on Thursday and or Friday. It would be the equivalent of Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus or Muslims the birth of the prophet.
Naumi was celebrated with fervor, devotion and grandeur in different parts of USA where there are enclaves of Hindus as in Richmond Hill and other parts of Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Hindus believe that Lord Rama made an appearance on earth over five thousand years ago, showing people how to live a righteous life.
The dozens of temples in New York and many more across USA vibrantly observed the occasion with puja or religious service and offerings. Temples were packed to capacity on both days in Queens and greater NY where hundreds of thousands of Guyanese and other Hindus are settled. Temples flourish where there are large clusters of Guyanese and other Hindus. Ram Navami culminated the fasting period of Navaratri that also ended Thursday or Friday. Navratri and Ram Naumi are two popular festivals of Hindus, though not in the same category as Diwali or Phagwah.
Community leaders and pandits offered greetings on the occasion, pointing out that Lord Ram’s life symbolises love, peace, harmony, tolerance, sacrifice and righteousness. Long queues Devotees were seen making offerings to the lord, reflecting the spirit of community participation. Mandirs were specially decorated and lit up for the occasion. Scenes of faith and cultural vibrancy unfolded as devotees lined up in long queues to seek ‘darshan’ or blessings from the lord as they offered prayers and prostrated to the feet of God.
Ram Naumi is tied to Navratri, the holiest period in the Hindu calendar in the Spring. It is a fasting period. Navratri is an auspicious time for marriages, pujas, and new undertakings. Just prior to Navratri is known as “Karwas,” which prohibits marriages or poojas or new undertakings. Navratri is an extremely beautiful festival with temples and murthis (emblem of God) are magnificently decorated. Pandits advised people how to live a righteous life devoid of conflict and hate.
Large crowds thronged mandirs nightly to propitiate the Goddesses as the medium of the one lord. And on Ram Navami, they focused on Lord Rama. The temples were lit up with colorful lights for the occasion. Ram is known as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe that when evil forces were out to destroy the world, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama and made his appearance on earth to save the world and to re-establish dharma – righteous life. Hindus believe that chanting Lord Rama’s name removes all devotees’ sins and brings prosperity to them.
Devotees fasted and visited temples and or conducted prayers at homes. Pandits held discourses on the Holy Ramayana. Fasting, as the pandits explained, is good for the body. Devotees were well dressed in traditional garb. There was bhajan-singing accompanied by drumming and the playing of musical equipment, with people clapping to the rhythmic beat. There was aartee and serving of bhojan (dinner).
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