KATHMANDU, April 17 -- Ram Nawami festival is being observed across the country by paying homage to Lord Ram. The festival marks the birthday of Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram.

Also known as Ram Jayanti, Ram Nawami is considered the day when the light of truth and dignity prevails over untruth and darkness.

Ram Nawami festival is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Nawami (the ninth day of the bright half in the month of Chaitra as per the lunar calendar).

It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of truth over evil and to the memory of Lord Ram. The festival celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Ram avatar, through his birth to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya during the Treta Yuga.

The day is marked by Ram Katha recitals or...