The Holi festival has formally begun across the Mithilanchal region today after colors were ceremonially played at Kanchanban in Bhangaha Municipality–7 of Mahottari as part of the 15-day Madhyamiki Parikrama.
According to Baba Navalkishor Das, a participant in the pilgrimage, the festival commenced this morning when Lord Mithilabihari (Ramchandra) played Holi with Kishoriji (Goddess Sita) at Kanchanban in the presence of sadhus, saints, and devotees who had arrived for the 15-day religious journey. On the seventh day of the parikrama, religious rituals were performed and the idols and palanquins of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita were ceremonially smeared with colors and vermillion powder. Thousands of pilgrims, including saints and household devotees, also exchanged colors to mark the beginning of Holi.
The use of colors and vermillion has now started in villages and households across Mithilanchal. With the arrival of Holi, traditional songs, dances, humor, satirical poetry, and performances have also begun in various villages, said Pandit Dhirendra Jha of Jaleshwar Municipality–8.
Devotees in Mithilanchal observe the 15-day parikrama in remembrance of Lord Ram’s exile. During the pilgrimage, the symbolic celebration of Holi marks a significant ritual moment, prompting all participants to celebrate the festival together.
The parikrama began on Falgun 5 from Kalaneshwar in India after the gathering of the palanquins of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita along with pilgrims at Hanumangadhi in Dhanusha on Falgun 4. The 15-day journey will conclude in Janakpur.
After completing the seventh night’s stay at Kanchanban in Mahottari, the pilgrims have proceeded toward Parwatta in Dhanusha for the eighth day’s halt, carrying the palanquins of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
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