HINDUS on the Essequibo Coast celebrated the Festival of Ramnavmi with congregational worship at various temples on Sunday.

Ramnavmi coincides with the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is known as Maryada Purushottam – an embodiment of chivalry and virtue.

The conclusion of Navratri was observed with persons paying homage to the Hindu Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Swarswattie during nine nights of fasting.

On Sunday, many persons engaged in congregational worship of Lord Rama, whose birthday falls the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March- April).

In Hinduism, Ramnavmi is one of the most important festivals and on the auspicious day, devotees repeat the name of Rama with every breath and vow to lead a righteous life.

In observance of the day, many persons fasted, temples were decorated and special offerings of sweetmeat and prashadam were offered to the Lord.

At mandir services, pandits read the Ramayan, a text that traced the life and work of Lord Rama.

The day ended with many visiting temples to make their offerings and recite special prayers in obeisance to Lord Rama.

Lord Rama was born as the eldest son of Kausalya and Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. He is also referred to as Maryada Purushottam, literally the Perfect Man or Lord of Self-Control or Lord of Virtue. His wife Sita is considered by Hindus to be an avatar of Lakshmi and the embodiment of a great woman.