The historic city of Janakpur in Nepal is all set to host the annual Vivah Panchami festival, commemorating the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This year’s celebrations will feature a special Tilakotsav ceremony, marking a significant spiritual event in the sacred city.
For the first time, the Vivah Utsav will be preceded by the Tilakotsav, a ceremony symbolizing the formal acceptance of Lord Ram into the family of Goddess Sita. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, via its official social media account, announced the preparations, saying, “The Vivah Samaroh of Prabhu Shri Ram and Maa Sita will take place on the auspicious day of Vivah Panchami at Janakpur Dham in Nepal. This year, a special Tilakotsav ceremony will be held before the Vivah Utsav, following the arrival of Prabhu Shri Ram at His palace.”
The post further detailed that materials for the tilak ceremony will be sent from the Raj Mahal of Maa Sita in Janakpur. A group of 251 tilak-hars (those performing the tilak ceremony) from Janakpur, the in-laws’ city of Lord Ram, will travel to Ayodhya, bringing with them 501 types of offerings, including clothing, jewelry, sweets, dry fruits, fruits, and other items.
The Tilakotsav ceremony will take place on November 18, after the tilak-hars depart Janakpur on November 16 and arrive in Ayodhya on November 17.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ram, the son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya, married Goddess Sita, the daughter of King Janak of Janakpurdham, during the Treta Yuga. The wedding was solemnized in Janakpurdham, which has since become a significant pilgrimage site.
In addition to the traditional Vivah Panchami celebrations, the ancient city of Janakpur recently hosted its first Deepotsav following the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The streets of Janakpur were beautifully illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere as locals engaged in shopping and preparations for the event.
(Inputs from ANI)