Vivaha Panchami Festival in Nepal

8th December 2021

18th December 2020

1st December 2019

12th December 2018

Vivaha Panchami is a celebration to commemorate the eternal marriage of Lor Ram (The prince of Ayodhya) and Princess Sita of Janakpur in the form of an auspicious Hindu festival.

It is observed during the fifth day of Shukla Paksha – the bright fortnight during the month of Mangshir on the Hindu calendar. This festival usually takes place on the Gregorian calendar in late November or early December. This festival is celebrated mainly in Northern India, Mithilanchal, and parts of Nepal.

According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, King Janak of Mithila, now known as Janakpur, organised a “Swayambar” ceremony. He invited many kings from various kingdoms to choose a suitable groom from the attendees for his daughter Sita. The potential groom’s condition was to lift Shiva’s Bow (Dhanush) and string it to be selected to marry Sita.

Thousands of Kings and Princes tried to do the feat, but most failed and could not move it a bit. Finally, along came Ram, the prince of Ayodhya, who managed to lift this large and heavy bow of Shiva and strung it. The vibrant burst into applause, and flowers rained from the heavens. Hence, Princess Sita was married off to Lord Ram.

People have celebrated Vivaha Panchami with tremendous dedication to immortalising Lord Ram and Devi Sita’s wedding ceremony.

Vivaha Panchami Ceremony

Vivaha Panchami is celebrated with great zeal and ardour in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

On this day, the numerous ancient temples are adorned with flowers and light. A marvellous wedding procession takes place. It passes by the countless ancient temples during the day. The wedding ceremony is concluded with the idols that symbolise Ram and Sita.

Millions of Hindus witness this momentous event from all over India and the world. The devotees sing devotional songs and chants from the Ramayana epic. Elaborate rites are conducted in the temples with the statues of Ram and Sita. Many devotees from Mithila get dressed in their ancestral attire and go to Ayodhya to perform on the stage. This magnificent event is known as Ram Vivah Utsav.

Many cultural shows and stage performances are also commonly organised for this occasion by various communities other than the festivities at the temples.

Ramleela depicts the lives of Lord Ram and Sita are observed with great enthusiasm. Male actors enact both the male and female roles of the epic Ramayana. Ayodhya becomes exciting and colourful with the numerous tourists, pilgrims, and locals performing various rituals.

This festival also symbolises the high bond and association between India and Nepal. It is prevalent in the historical and spiritual city of Janakpur in Nepal. The best time to visit Janakpur is during Vivaha Panchami’s festival to observe the ancient culture and traditional values.

A person dressed as Lord Ram takes part in prayer rituals ahead of the marriage anniversary of Lord Ram and Sita during Bibaha Panchami at Janaki Temple in Janakpur,

The Vivaha Panchami observance takes place at the Janaki Temple for seven days. The entire Janaki temple is adorned and highlighted as a “Mandap” (a sacred tent used for Hindu weddings) during this time. Ram and Sita’s statues are brought to the Mandap, and they are cosmeticised as bride and groom with traditional wedding attire and jewellery.

Lord Ram and Sita’s holy matrimony ritual takes place with great zeal with chanting and singing devotional songs to worship the idols. Delightful traditional food is served to the ordinary people as part of the many temples’ holy meals. Janakpur comes to life during this festival, and it is jam-packed with Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike.

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