Vivah Panchami: Ram-Sita Marriage Day

Vivaha Panchami is a Hindu festival with great religious and cultural importance which is celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in Margashirsha month according to the lunar calendar (Nov-Dec). The day is celebrated as the marriage anniversary of Lord Ram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu)  and Sita (an incarnation of the goddess Laxmi).

The festival is celebrated by recreating the marriage ceremony of Ram and Sita, and pilgrims from all over Nepal and India visit Mithila (present time Janakpur), home of goddess Sita.

Mythology of Vivaha Panchami

As written in the pious hindu holy book Ramayana, Mithila (Present day Janakpur) was the home of princess Sita, ancient kingdom of King Janak.

And one while cleaning the auspicious room in the palace where the bow of lord Shiva was kept, princess Sita effortlessly lifted the bow which was impossible for any normal human.

So, king Janak organized an event to find the future husband for Sita who could lift the bow as the princess Sita did.

And to take part in the event, warriors, princes, and chieftains came from afar but no man could lift the bow. At last, Ram, a prince from ancient Ayodhya kingdom lifted the bow with ease and when he tried to tie the string, the bow shattered into pieces.

Thus, Ram and Sita were married in Janakpur, the capital city of the ancient Mithila kingdom, and it is celebrated till today every year.

How is Vivaha Panchami Celebrated in Janakpur?

Each year during the festival, Janaki Temple is decorated for the celebration with colourful garlands, flowers, Mithila arts, and the sacred statue of Ram and Sita that stands in the centre of the temple is also cleaned and put on new clothes, just like it is done during any Mithila weddings.

And idols of Ram and Sita are brought out and their hindu marriage ceremony is reenacted during a weeklong religious festival. According to Mithila culture, various events like matkor, tilakostsab and swayambar are held in addition to the marriage ceremony.

Men and women, especially kids, are dressed up as Lord Ram and Mother Sita and are carried around in chariots during this day.

Traditional wedding music is played to imitate the ‘baaraat’ (janti) of Lord Ram as he came to marry the princess. In the evenings, the devotees and people of the city gather up in the fairs put out in front of temples where people can explore, dance, eat to celebrate the auspicious day of their gods with each other.

Vivaaha Panchami is an important festival for the people of Mithila, and it reflects their unique cultural traditions and beliefs. The festival is a time for people to come together, celebrate their culture and heritage, and seek the blessings of the gods.

Vivaha Panchami Rituals

1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath and wear clean and nice clothes.
2. Many people organize a grand puja and invite their relatives and friends to home.
3. Place a wooden plant where they place the idol of Lord Rama and Janki Mata.
4. The idols of Bhagwan Rama and Mata Sita are adorned with beautiful clothes and jewelry.
5. Devotees Light a Diya with desi ghee, offer rose flowers, garland of flowers, 5 different fruits, meetha paan, homemade sweets (Halwa and Rice Kheer).
6. Ram Darbar is also placed along with these two idols.
7.  Females prepare the satvik food to offer Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
8. Tulsi patra is also important to offer as this is the Lord’s favorite herb.
9. Vivaha Prasang, which is mentioned in Ramcharitmanas the sacred Baal-Kand script is recited by the priest.
10. After completing the puja, they offer satvik food as a bhog prasad to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
11. The devotees chant Rama Stuti and Aarti.
12. After completing all the rituals, people do bhajan and kirtan.
13. Some people even organize Ramcharitmanas Paath for 24 hours on this auspicious day.

When is Vivaha Panchami in 2024 (2081 B.S.)?

Vivaha Panchami is on 6^th December, 2024 A.D. or 21^st Mangsir, 2081 B.S.