Sitamarhi: Sitamarhi is filled with devotion and celebration as preparations for the festival of Vivah Panchami reach their final stage. The city, believed to be the birthplace of Mother Janaki (Goddess Sita), is getting ready to witness the symbolic divine marriage of Lord Ram and Sita. The excitement can be felt everywhere, with the city decorated, devotional music playing and locals welcoming pilgrims from different regions.
Two major Janaki temples — Punaura Dham Janaki Temple and Rajat Dwar Janaki Temple — are the centre of attraction this year. Both temples have been covered with flowers, colourful garlands and bright lighting, creating a grand and spiritual ambience. Social media platforms are flooded with photos and videos of the preparations, showing the rising enthusiasm among residents and devotees.
According to Mahant Kaushal Kishore Das of Punaura Dham, the rituals will begin on Monday with the traditional Matkor ceremony. Wedding songs, Haldi, Shagun Vidhi and other cultural marriage traditions of Mithila will continue through the day. Women are decorating their homes and singing traditional songs, while the temple premises resonate with bhajans and kirtans. The symbolic wedding of Ram and Sita will take place on Tuesday night in a grand ceremony.
Another major highlight will be the Nishan Shobha Yatra scheduled for December 26 and organised by Mahant Vinod Das of the Rajat Dwar Janaki Temple. Thousands of devotees are expected to join the procession carrying sacred flags and singing devotional hymns. A grand aarti of Janaki Mata will be performed in the evening followed by the main event of the Ram–Janaki Vivah Mahotsav inside the temple complex.
Vivah Panchami is not only a religious festival but also an event of cultural unity. Devotees from across India and from Nepal continue to arrive in Sitamarhi, adding to the spiritual and festive atmosphere. Crowds dressed in traditional outfits, temple bells ringing and devotional chants echoing across the city have turned Sitamarhi into a vibrant cultural hub where faith and heritage come together.
