The week-long Bibaha Panchami Festival officially began today in Janakpur, marking the commencement of one of the most anticipated religious celebrations in Nepal. The festival commemorates the divine union of Princess Sita and Lord Ram during the Treta Yug (Vedic era), and is celebrated with great religious fervor and joy in Dhanushadham.
Observed on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the Nepali month of Mangshir, the festival follows the lunar calendar, with the main day of Bibaha Panchami falling on December 6, 2024. The celebrations began with the Nagar Darshan (Town Visit) ritual, where the local community participated in the grand procession. Notably, two children dressed as Ram and his brother Laxman paraded around the historic Janaki Temple, as described by Ramroshan Das Baisnav, the Sahayak Mahanta (assistant priest) of the temple.
The festival continues with various traditional events. On the second day, the Phulbari Leela takes place, featuring vibrant dance performances and colorful processions that reflect the joyous spirit of the occasion. The third day is dedicated to the Dhanusha Yagya, a sacred ritual, followed by Tilakotsav on the fourth day. The fifth day is celebrated as Matkor, while the final day marks the Ram Sita Swoyambar, symbolizing the engagement of Lord Ram and Princess Sita.
The festival also draws a large number of visitors, including saints and religious leaders from Indian cities such as Ayodhya, who arrive to witness the re-enactment of the Ram-Sita engagement. The event concludes with a farewell ceremony, as the guests depart after the festival’s culmination.
While predominantly a Hindu celebration, Bibaha Panchami attracts people from various religious backgrounds, including Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity, who come to observe and participate in the cultural festivities. The rituals and prayers are led by Hindu religious leaders and devotees in large numbers, paying homage to the divine couple, Ram and Sita.
The festival holds special significance for the people of Janakpur, believed to be the birthplace of Sita and the ancient capital of Mithila. During the all-party meeting held today regarding the festival, Janaki Temple’s Mahantha, Ramatapeshwor Das Baisnav, called for collective efforts from all quarters to ensure that the celebration is conducted with grandeur and success.
