Vivah Panchami commemorates the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
Celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha month (November–December).
Major celebrations occur in Janakpur, Nepal, and Ayodhya, India.
Features rituals like Ramleela, processions, and ceremonial reenactments of the divine wedding.
Despite its theme, the day is traditionally avoided for human marriages due to associated myths.
Details
Vivah Panchami marks the divine union of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, celebrated annually on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (November–December). This day commemorates the legendary Swayamvar where Lord Rama broke Lord Shiva’s bow (Pinaka) to win Sita’s hand in marriage, as narrated in the Ramayana. The festival is especially significant in Janakpur (Nepal), believed to be Sita’s birthplace, and Ayodhya (India), Rama’s birthplace. Devotees reenact the celestial wedding through rituals, processions, and Ramleela performances, symbolizing devotion, virtue, and the sanctity of marriage.
In Janakpur, celebrations span several days, culminating in a grand procession known as the Ram Baraat, representing Rama’s journey from Ayodhya to Mithila for the wedding. Temples are adorned with lights and flowers, and idols of Rama and Sita are dressed as bride and groom. Devotees perform special pujas, recite hymns, and offer traditional delicacies. Interestingly, despite celebrating a marriage, Vivah Panchami is considered inauspicious for conducting weddings among commoners, due to the subsequent hardships faced by Rama and Sita in their marital life.
