Bibah Panchami Celebrations: Janakpur’s Tilakdhars Journey to Ayodhya
The historic city of Janakpur in Nepal is preparing for the annual Bibah Panchami festival, celebrating the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This year, a special Tilak Mahotsav ceremony will take place, marking a significant spiritual event. On Saturday, Tilakdhars, including the Chief Minister of Madhesh province, Satish Singh, began their journey from Janaki Temple to Ayodhya, carrying ritualistic gifts.
The Tilakotsav, a ceremony symbolizing the formal acceptance of Lord Ram into Goddess Sita’s family, will precede the Vivah Utsav for the first time. Hundreds of Tilakdhars are expected to reach Ayodhya on November 17, with the Tilakostav ceremony scheduled for November 18. This event follows the consecration of the Ram temple earlier this year.
Satish Singh emphasized the importance of strengthening the historical ties between Janakpur and Ayodhya, highlighting the potential for religious tourism. The state government aims to develop Janakpurdham as a city of religious tourism, hoping to attract a portion of the daily 300,000 devotees visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The Tilakdhars will make a night halt at Gadhimai of Bara before reaching Ayodhya. The gifts, including clothes, jewelry, sweets, and dry fruits, will be presented to the Ram Lalla idol. Santosh Kumar Sah, President of the World Hindu Council, led the collection campaign for these offerings.
For the first time, 251 Tilakdhars from Janakpur Dham will perform the tilak ceremony in Ayodhya, bringing 501 types of offerings. The seers from Ayodhya will then travel to Janakpur for the ‘marriage’ of Lord Ram and Sita on December 9.
Doubts Revealed
Bibah Panchami -: Bibah Panchami is a festival that celebrates the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. It is a special event in Hindu culture, especially in Nepal and India.
Janakpur -: Janakpur is a city in Nepal. It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, who is an important figure in Hindu mythology.
Tilakdhars -: Tilakdhars are people who participate in the Tilak ceremony, which is a traditional Hindu ritual. They carry gifts and blessings to the groom’s family, symbolizing acceptance and respect.
Ayodhya -: Ayodhya is a city in India. It is considered the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is a major deity in Hinduism.
Tilak Mahotsav -: Tilak Mahotsav is a festival or celebration involving the Tilak ceremony. It is part of the wedding rituals in Hindu culture, marking the acceptance of the groom into the bride’s family.
Madhesh province -: Madhesh province is a region in Nepal. It is one of the provinces in the country, and its Chief Minister is a political leader there.
Tilakotsav ceremony -: The Tilakotsav ceremony is a traditional Hindu ritual. It symbolizes the acceptance of the groom, Lord Ram, into the bride, Goddess Sita’s family.
Vivah Utsav -: Vivah Utsav is a celebration of marriage. In this context, it refers to the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
Religious tourism -: Religious tourism involves traveling to places of religious significance. People visit these places to learn about and participate in religious events and traditions.
