Sri Rama Navami

Told in English, Telugu.

It was a bright, warm morning in Chinni's village. Fresh mango leaves hung over every door. Today was Sri Rama Navami!

In the kitchen, Ammamma was stirring a big pot of cool water. Plop went the jaggery. Sprinkle went the pepper. A pinch of cardamom, and a pinch of dry ginger. Stir, stir, stir.

"What are you making, Ammamma?" asked Chinni.

"Panakam," smiled Ammamma. "And here is vadapappu, soft moong dal with a little coconut. Come, sit with me. I will tell you why we make them today."

Chinni sat close. Ammamma began.

Long, long ago, in the beautiful city of Ayodhya, there lived a good king named Dasharatha. He had three queens, Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. The king loved his people, and the people loved their king. But the king had one wish in his heart. He wished for children.

So the king did a big yagna, a holy prayer around a sacred fire. And out of the fire came a shining one, holding a golden bowl of sweet payasam. "Give this to your queens," it said. The king did not keep it for one queen. He shared it with all three.

Then one spring day, on the ninth day of the bright moon, right at noontime, Queen Kausalya held a baby boy in her arms. His eyes were gentle. His smile was kind. They named him Rama.

And soon Rama had three little brothers too. Bharata was born to Queen Kaikeyi. And Lakshmana and Shatrughna, two little twins, were born to Queen Sumitra.

The whole city was so happy! Bells rang. Drums played. People danced in the streets. And everyone sang,

Rama is born, Rama is born, sweet and kind and bright! Rama is born, Rama is born, share the joy tonight!

Can you sing it with me? Rama is born, Rama is born, sweet and kind and bright! Rama is born, Rama is born, share the joy tonight!

Ammamma stirred the panakam once more.

"Baby Rama grew up to be very good," she said. "He listened to his mother and father. He shared with his brothers. He was kind to everyone, big and small. That is why, every year, on the ninth day, the navami, we remember the day Rama was born."

"But why panakam, Ammamma?" asked Chinni.

"Because it is hot summer now," said Ammamma. "Panakam cools us, and vadapappu is light and fresh. And just like the king shared the payasam, and just like Ayodhya shared its joy, we share panakam and vadapappu with everyone who comes to our door."

Chinni clapped her hands. "Then let us share!"

So Chinni carried little cups of panakam to the neighbours. She gave one to Seetamma garu next door. She gave one to the milkman. She gave one to her friend Ravi and his little sister. Each one took a sip and smiled a big smile.

And Chinni sang,

Rama is born, Rama is born, sweet and kind and bright! Rama is born, Rama is born, share the joy tonight!

That evening, the whole family went to the temple. There were flowers everywhere, and lamps glowing. Sita and Rama sat side by side, looking so happy.

Chinni folded her hands. "Sri Rama," she whispered, "I want to be kind like you."

And when she lay down to sleep, her tummy full of sweet panakam, she was still smiling.

Good night, little one. Sleep softly, just like baby Rama in Ayodhya.