KATHMANDU: As part of the Bibahapanchami festivities, a vibrant marriage procession embarked on its journey from Matihani in Mahottari to Janakpur via Jaleshwar this morning, marking the commencement of a significant Mithila cultural festival.

Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival sees holy men and women traveling from Ayodhya to Janakpur during the Ramjanaki marriage celebration. Saints from various parts of India also join this cultural extravaganza.

The traditional route includes a stop at Matihani on the first night, Jaleshwar on the second night, Sahodwa in Mahottari on the third night, and culminates in Janakpur on the fourth day. Baidyanath Chowdhury, 65, from Banauli village in Pipra rural municipality, highlighted the customary practice of warmly welcoming guests with acts of kindness at designated lunch and dinner locations.

Despite the historical significance, residents along the pilgrimage route (Matihani-Jaleshwar-Pipra-Janakpur) express concern about a decline in the fair festival’s allure, noting a reduction in the number of saints and pilgrims in recent times.

The week-long Ramjanaki festival in Janakpurdham commemorates the marriage of Shriram, son of Ayodhya King Dasharath, and Sita, daughter of King Janak of Mithila. The main day of the festival features the Swayambar ceremony in Janakpurdham.

Professor Manoj Jha, specializing in Maithili Language and Literature at Yajnavalkya Lakshminarayan Vidyapith in Matihani, shared that the event adheres to traditional Maithil rituals associated with a marriage ceremony, offering participants a cultural spectacle.

Kameshwar Jha, an authority on Maithil culture and traditions, encourages the new generation of Maithil youth to take the lead in preserving the splendor of this ancient festival, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.

Marking the festival, the Madesh Province has declared public holiday in the province today.