JANAKPUR:- The Bibaha Panchami festival, which marks the divine union of Lord Ram and Princess Sita, is being celebrated across the country today with devotion and festive enthusiasm.

The weeklong celebration, observed on the fifth day of Marga Shukla Paksha in the month of Mangsir according to the lunar calendar, is especially vibrant in Janakpurdham. The city, revered as the birthplace of Sita and the ancient capital of Mithila, hosts thousands of devotees and visitors each year.

The festival began with the Nagar Darshan ritual, during which two children portraying Ram and Laxman are taken in a procession around the historic Janaki Temple. The second day, known as Phulbari Leela, features cultural dances and colourful parades.

The celebrations continue with Dhanusha Yagya on the third day, Tilakotsav on the fourth, and Matkor on the fifth. The festival’s main highlight, Ram Sita Swoyambar, is reenacted on the final day, depicting the sacred marriage ceremony. The following day is dedicated to bidding farewell to visiting saints and religious leaders, many of whom travel from various Indian cities, including Ayodhya, to attend the festivities.

People from diverse faiths—including Buddhism and Sikhism—also join the celebrations, while Hindu devotees participate in large numbers, offering prayers and paying homage to the divine couple.

Janakpur continues to be a major spiritual destination during Bibaha Panchami, drawing pilgrims and tourists to witness one of the region’s most cherished traditions.