Kathmandu: The Bibaha Panchami festival, which commemorates the divine marriage of Princess Sita and Lord Ram in the Treta Yug, is being celebrated across the country today with devotion and grandeur. The main celebrations are taking place in Janakpurdham, where the festival carries centuries-old cultural and religious significance.

Observed on the fifth day of Marga Shukla Paksha in the month of Mangsir, the week-long festival features a series of traditional rituals. 

The festivities begin with Nagar Darshan, during which two children dressed as Ram and Laxman are taken in a procession around the historic Janaki Temple.

The second day, Phulbari Leela, is marked by vibrant dance performances and colourful parades. The third day features Dhanusha Yagya, followed by Tilakotsav on the fourth day. The fifth day is celebrated as Matkor, leading to the main event — Ram Sita Swoyambar, the symbolic reenactment of the divine marriage.

The following day, saints, devotees, and religious leaders from India — including from Ayodhya — who travel to Janakpurdham for the occasion, are given a ceremonial farewell, marking the conclusion of the festival.

People of various faiths, including Buddhism and Sikhism, also take part in the celebrations, highlighting the festival’s cultural inclusiveness. Devotees worship Ram and Sita and pay homage to the divine couple throughout the event.

Janakpur, the capital of Madhesh Province, is widely revered as the birthplace of Sita and the ancient capital of Mithila, making it the spiritual centre of Bibaha Panchami festivities.