May 1, 2025 
Goddess Sita is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and is known for her unwavering devotion, purity, sacrifice, courage, and resilience. The festival is a time to reflect on her exemplary life and virtues. Sita was miraculously found by King Janaka of Mithila while he was ploughing a field as part of a religious ritual. She emerged from a furrow in the earth, and hence the name ‘Sita,’ which means ‘furrow.’
Devotees celebrate Sita Navami with great reverence. Married women often observe a fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, as Sita is considered the ideal wife. Special pujas, prayers, and the recitation of the Ramayana, particularly passages highlighting Sita’s life and virtues, are common practices.
In 2025, Sita Navami, the auspicious birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, will be celebrated on Monday, May 5th. According to the Hindu calendar, the Navami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh commences at 07:35 AM IST on May 5th and concludes at 08:38 AM IST on May 6th. However, as per the Udaya Tithi, the Sita Navami festival will be observed predominantly on Monday, May 5th.
On Sita Navami, devotees typically begin the day with an early morning bath and resolve to observe a fast in honor of Goddess Sita. A clean altar is prepared, ideally facing the northeast direction, and an image or idol of Goddess Sita, often alongside Lord Rama, is placed on it. The puja commences with dhyan on the divine couple, followed by avahan to invite their presence.
Offerings of flowers, especially white or pink ones, fruits, particularly those available in the season, and traditional sweets are made. Incense is lit, and a lamp with ghee or oil is kept burning throughout the puja. Devotees then recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Goddess Sita, such as the Sita Gayatri Mantra.
Many devotees, especially married women, observe a day-long fast. Some may choose a strict fast without food and water, while others may consume fruits, milk, and other sattvic foods. The fast is typically broken in the evening after offering prayers. Set up a clean altar with an image or idol of Goddess Sita, ideally alongside Lord Rama. Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and a ghee lamp.
Reading or listening to passages from the Ramayana that narrate Sita’s birth, life, and virtues is a significant way to observe the day. Conclude the puja by performing the Aarti of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama. Visit temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Many temples organize special prayers, rituals, and decorations on this day.