The week-long Sitaram Vivah Panchami festival has marked its third day with the completion of the Dhanush Yagya. On Saturday evening, at the historic Barhabigha Ground in Janakpurdham, a youth symbolizing Lord Ram broke the divine bow. The ritual is observed every year on the third day of Vivah Panchami to commemorate King Janak’s Dhanush Yagya performed during the Treta Yuga for the marriage of his daughter, Janaki.
According to the epic Valmiki Ramayana, King Janak had declared that whoever wished to marry his daughter Sita must be capable of stringing Lord Shiva’s bow. When none of the assembled kings were able to do so, Lord Ram successfully strung the bow and broke it into three pieces. Only then did the marriage between Ram and Sita take place.
Earlier, the first day featured Nagar Darshan, while the second day included the Phulwari Leela. On Sunday, the Tilakotsav ceremony will be held in the courtyard of the Ram Temple in Janakpurdham. In this ritual, Mahant Tapeshwor Das Vaishnav of Janaki Temple will play the role of Sita’s father, and Mahant Ram Giri of the Ram Temple will act as Ram’s father as they meet symbolically as in-laws.
Similarly, Matkor rituals will be performed on Monday, followed by the Swayambar and the grand wedding ceremony on Tuesday. The festival will conclude on Wednesday with the Ramkelwa, marking the final day of the week-long Vivah Panchami celebrations.
Each year, the Vivah Panchami festival is celebrated with great joy for seven days in Janakpurdham. Thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, and other countries visit the city to witness the celebrations.
About the Author
