Sitamarhi. On the last day of Sita-Ram Vivah Panchami festival, the traditional Ramkaleva ritual was performed with reverence and grandeur in Janakpurdham. This week-long festival ended with a special ritual in which the saints and guests included in the form of Janti are respectfully sent off by serving 56 types of dishes. This method brings alive the unique tradition of Mithila and the divinity of Ram-Sita marriage.
Part of Mithila culture
Mahant Ramroshan Das, the successor of Janaki temple, told that this tradition of 56 bhog is very old. This includes everything from sweets to vegetables, pulses, puri, halwa, kheer, paan, fruits, chutney and many special festival dishes. Devotees believe that every dish served in Ramkaleva is a symbol of prosperity, good fortune and good wishes. Mithila: Serving food to the guests and sending them off respectfully is considered to be the best form of Mithila hospitality culture, which was followed to the fullest.
Divine marriage of Sita and Ram
Earlier on Tuesday night, the divine marriage of Sita and Ram took place with great grandeur in the Janaki temple premises. Thousands of devotees participated in this marriage ritual conducted amidst traditional Vedic mantras and folk songs. After the marriage, marriage rituals, bhajans, kirtans and cultural presentations continued throughout the night, due to which the entire Janakpurdham was colored with devotion.
The morning of Ramkaleva started with special preparations in the temple premises. Dozens of women’s groups, priests and cooks remained busy throughout the night in decorating plates with 56 dishes. The diversity and traditional taste of the dishes overwhelmed the saints and sages. During the Kaleva, there was a continuous echo of cheers for ‘Sitaram’ in the atmosphere.
Wish for the prosperity of Janakpur
As per tradition, donations were given respectfully to the Janti Dal by including children in the form of Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan. This traditional participation by children makes the cultural depth of Vivah Panchami festival more effective. The sages and saints gave blessings and wished for the prosperity of Mithila and Janakpur.
The organizing committee said that this year’s Vivah Panchami Mahotsav was duly completed with the Ramkaleva ritual. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the divine tradition of 56 Bhog and the culture of Janakpurdham, due to which the entire area remained festive. This dignified conclusion of the Mahotsav instills new hope and enthusiasm among the devotees for the coming year.
