The ancient religious and cultural Mithila Madhya Parikrama of Madhesh is concluding today. The 16-day journey, which began on the new moon of Falgun, will end with the Antargriha Parikrama in Janakpurdham. After resting on the 15th night at Rangabhoomi ground in Janakpur, pilgrims commenced the Panchakoshi Parikrama at midnight, completing the final leg of the sacred journey.
Tradition dictates that the pilgrimage is considered complete only after the 16th-day Panchakoshi Parikrama. Currently, the route is filled with devotees participating in the final circuit. As part of the concluding rituals, pilgrims scatter the ashes of Holika Dahan in the evening before bathing in the holy Gangasagar.
In Mithila, Holika Dahan symbolizes the destruction of evil, and scattering its ashes known as “Dhura Udaune” represents the purification of one’s inner self. Many locals, unable to complete the full Madhya Parikrama, participate in the Antargriha Parikrama, believing it also grants spiritual merit.
According to tradition, Holi is celebrated in Madhes after the completion of Falgun Purnima, beginning from Chaitra Krishna Pratipada. However, within the 133 km circuit of the Parikrama route, Holi is celebrated a day later, following the completion of Antargriha Parikrama.
The Mithila Madhya Parikrama is believed to have originated in the 18th century, tracing the footsteps of Lord Ram and Sita, who once traveled through various regions of Mithila during the Treta Yuga. Over time, this pilgrimage also became associated with the legend of Prahlad, the devotee of Lord Vishnu, whose miraculous survival against his demon father Hiranyakashipu’s attempts to kill him is commemorated through Holi celebrations. Scholars believe that the Madhya Parikrama honors Lord Ram-Sita’s journey and the triumph of virtue over evil, symbolized by Holi.
