Today (Wednesday, 24 March) marks the auspicious celebration of the birthday of Hindu Lord, Sri Ram. This celebration, known as Ramayana Week, commenced with the Hindu New Year, which was on 16 March this year.

During these 9 days, Hindu's offer worship to Sri Ram by observing a strict fast where neither meat nor alcohol is consumed, and pious devotees undergo a dry fast where no food or water is consumed at all. Crowds gather at temples and halls where songs and dances are performed for the Lord. Readings from the epic Ramayana are done to remind humanity of the path of action that is righteous, and that which is immoral.

In Hinduism, Sri Ram is referred to as Maryada Purushottama which literally means The Perfect Man or Lord of Self-Control or Lord of Virtue. Hence, the reason for the birth of Sri Ram was to bring morality to the world and to teach humanity the true nature of their destiny. And even thousands of years later, Hindu's still pass on that knowledge of righteousness by teaching the Ramayana and observing festivals like Ramayana Week and Ram Naumi.

Jai Sri Ram.