What Makes 'Vivah Panchami' a Significant Celebration in Janakpur, Nepal?

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What Makes 'Vivah Panchami' a Significant Celebration in Janakpur, Nepal?

Synopsis

Experience the vibrant festival of 'Vivah Panchami' in Janakpur, where the traditional wedding of Lord Ram and Sita is reenacted. With thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India attending, this celebration not only honors a sacred union but also boosts tourism in the region. Discover the cultural significance of this grand event!

Key Takeaways

  • 'Vivah Panchami' is a pivotal celebration of the union of Lord Ram and Sita.
  • The event draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India.
  • Janakpur is regarded as the birthplace of Sita and a cultural hub.
  • The festivities include traditional processions and rituals.
  • 'Vivah Panchami' boosts local tourism and community spirit.

Kathmandu, Nov 25 (NationPress) A vibrant celebration enveloped the city of Janakpur, recognized for the sacred Janaki Temple, as the traditional re-enactment of the marriage between Lord Ram and Sita (Janaki) unfolded on Tuesday.

A ceremonial 'swayamvar' for Lord Ram and Sita was held at the historic Rangabhoomi ground in Barha Bigha, attracting tens of thousands of devotees from both Nepal and India to participate in the festivities. This event, celebrated as 'Vivah Panchami', is a significant Hindu festival that honors the sacred union of Ram and Sita from the Ramayana.

According to Janakpur Deputy Mayor Kishori Shah, "Approximately 300,000 to 400,000 pilgrims visited Janakpur to witness the traditional wedding ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita in our city." He noted that numerous visitors from various districts in Nepal and the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra came to join the celebration.

A splendid wedding procession, adorned with traditional floats and hymns, traveled from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, carrying the idol of Ram, while another group departed from the Janaki Temple in Janakpur bearing the idol of Sita.

Both groups converged at the historic Barha Bigha Rangabhoomi, where the ceremonial 'swayamvar' was enacted, with tens of thousands of devotees present to witness the grand procession and rituals.

The wedding is believed to have occurred on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Mangsir (Marga Shukla Paksha) during the Treta Yug in the Mithila region. Janakpur, the capital of Madhesh Pradesh in Nepal, is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Sita and the capital of ancient Mithila.

Shah mentioned plans for a Ram Kalewa ceremony on Wednesday, a tradition involving the distribution of various foods—including sweets, vegetables, grains, curd, and ghee—to the groom's procession.

He further stated that Vivah Panchami has been instrumental in promoting tourism in Janakpur, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims to the city.

Point of View

The celebration of 'Vivah Panchami' in Janakpur is not just a religious event; it is a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the region. It reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the Hindu community and showcases the importance of unity among diverse groups, thereby enhancing tourism and fostering communal harmony. Such events should be recognized for their role in promoting local culture and economy.
NationPress
25/11/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Vivah Panchami'?
Vivah Panchami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita, reenacted in Janakpur, Nepal.
When is 'Vivah Panchami' celebrated?
It is celebrated on the fifth day of the waxing moon during the month of Mangsir.
Where is Janakpur located?
Janakpur is situated in Madhesh Pradesh, Nepal, and is known for the Janaki Temple.
How many pilgrims attend 'Vivah Panchami'?
An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 pilgrims gather to participate in the celebrations.
What cultural significance does the event hold?
The event showcases the rich traditions of the region and promotes tourism, reflecting the cultural heritage of Nepal.
Nation Press