Rama Navami celebrated on a grand note at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Illinois

The Illinois suburb of Lemont is home to the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. Built in 1970, the temple has been serving the communities for the last four decades. The pradhana deity is Sri Rama.

Over a thousand devotees across the Chicagoland and neighboring states came together wearing traditional attire and flocked the temple with fervor and devotion to celebrate Rama Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. This year, Rama Navami was celebrated from April 16 to April 21.

From April 10 to April 16, the day of Sri Rama Navami, Navarathri Homams were performed. From Thomala Seva, Choornotsavam, Sita Rama Kalyanotsavam and Rama Pattabhishekam, the occasion was observed with joy and spiritual significance. The air was filled with the sounds of devotional hymns as devotees thronged the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago to pay homage to Lord Rama.

The days began with the chanting of sacred verses, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity. At Rama Sannidhi, priests performed special rituals and prayers, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, offered their prayers with folded hands, seeking divine blessings for themselves and their families.

On Saturday, April 20, Sri Sita Rama Kalyanotsavam was observed, with Choornotsavam on Friday. One of the highlights of the day was the colorful processions that wound their way around the temple complex with chants of “Jai Shri Ram”. Devotees witnessed the divine Kalyanotsavam and enjoyed a Kalyana Bhojanam.

The Kasim-Babu brothers added their divine nagaswaram music to the Kalyanotsavam.  The weeklong celebrations concluded with Sri Rama Pattabhishekam on Sunday. A double header concert featuring Ghatam Karthick and Bharath Sundar brought the evening to a close.

About thirty children took part in HTGC’s unique program of “Sing with the Stars” with Bharath Sundar. With the help of this special program, the children are introduced to leading artists and given the opportunity to perform alongside them.

“I have been participating in Rama Navami celebrations for many years,” said a devotee who attended the celebrations. “Similar to the Rama of Ayodhya, this Rama is the Rama of America!”.

Rama Navami serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Lord Rama, whose life continues to inspire millions across the world. As devotees bid farewell to this year’s celebrations, they carry with them a renewed sense of faith and devotion, ready to face life’s challenges with the teachings of Lord Rama as their guide.