Janakpurdham, December 6
The week-long Sitaram Bibaha Panchami Festival, commemorating the legendary wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, is being celebrated with grandeur in Janakpurdham today. The festival, which began on November 30, marks the historic marriage said to have taken place in the Treta Yuga in the ancient Mithila capital of Janakpur.
Today’s celebrations feature a ceremonial swayamvar at Rangabhumi Maidan, where replicas of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, known as dolas, are wedded according to Vedic traditions. The dolas, accompanied by music and tableaux, depart from the Ram Mandir and Janaki Mandir, respectively, meeting at the historic ground. Mahant Ramgiri of Ram Mandir enacts the role of King Dasharath, while Mahant Ramtapeshwar Das Vaishnav of Janaki Mandir represents King Janak.
The vibrant celebration draws thousands of devotees eager to witness the swayamvar and marriage rituals. Pilgrims from Ayodhya, including sadhus and saints, add to the festival’s magnificence as they join in as members of the wedding party.
The week-long festivities began with Nagar Darshan on the first day, followed by Phulbari Leela, Dhanush Yagya, and Tilakotsav. Yesterday, Janaki’s Matkor ritual was completed. Tomorrow, the festival concludes with Ramkaleva, where the wedding party is served Mithila’s traditional 56-course feast and offered ceremonial gifts.
Cultural programs, including dramas, dances, and devotional hymns, enhance the celebration, which highlights Mithila’s rich heritage. The Madhesh Province government has declared today a public holiday in honour of Bibaha Panchami.
