Ram Navami 2026 Ayodhya: Date, timings, Surya tilak and live telecast details

Ram Navami, one of the most sacred festivals in Hindu tradition, will be celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur in Ayodhya in 2026. Marking the birth of Lord Ram, the festival draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.

When is Ram Navami 2026?

In 2026, Ram Navami falls on Thursday, 26 March. The auspicious Navami Tithi timings are:

• Navami Tithi Begins: 11:48 am on 26 March
• Navami Tithi Ends: 10:06 am on 27 March

The most significant rituals will be observed during the midday period, believed to be the exact time of Lord Ram’s birth.

Ram Navami 2026 Celebrations in Ayodhya

The holy city of Ayodhya is witnessing a massive influx of devotees as the Chaitra Ram Navami fair gets underway. Daily footfall has already crossed one lakh pilgrims, with numbers expected to rise sharply on the main day.


The temple premises will remain open from early morning until late night to accommodate visitors. Authorities have arranged drinking water, shaded waiting areas, prasad distribution, and storage facilities to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.

Surya Tilak: A Rare Celestial Highlight

One of the most anticipated moments of Ram Navami 2026 is the Surya Tilak ceremony.

At precisely 12:00 pm, a beam of sunlight will fall directly on the forehead of Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum, forming a divine tilak for approximately four minutes. This symbolic event honours Lord Ram’s lineage from the Solar dynasty.

Engineers and experts have been conducting multiple trial runs to ensure perfect alignment for this rare phenomenon, which follows a 19-year celestial cycle.

Ram Navami Live Telecast by Doordarshan

In a special initiative, Doordarshan will broadcast the entire Ram Navami programme live.

This includes:

• Morning Abhishekam rituals
• The Surya Tilak ceremony at noon
• Midday aarti
• Offering of 56 bhog (food offerings)
• Decoration of the temple with a ‘Phool Bangla’ (floral arrangement)

The live telecast will allow millions of devotees who cannot visit Ayodhya to participate in the celebrations from their homes.

Ram Navami 2026 Ayodhya: Arrangements for Devotees

Given the enormous turnout expected, authorities have installed large television screens at multiple locations across the city so that devotees can witness the Surya Tilak and other rituals even if they cannot enter the temple.

Security and crowd management measures have also been strengthened to ensure a safe and organised celebration.

Ram Navami in Ayodhya is not just a festival, it is a deeply spiritual experience. With divine rituals, celestial events like the Surya Tilak, and nationwide live coverage, Ram Navami 2026 promises to be a truly historic and memorable occasion for devotees everywhere.

Inputs from agencies