Located on the lap of great Himalayas, Nepal boasts of rich civilisation, culture and spiritual tradition. As a multicultural, multiethnic, multilingual and multi-religious nation, she has distinct cultural identity that is unity in diversity. Nepal’s syncretic culture has fostered harmonious ties among the people from divergent ethnic grounds. Our cultural values inspire the people of different faiths to live in harmony. The rich culture is manifested through religious feasts and festivals, customs, dances and songs. The cultural norms are not rigid so they bear collective values and consciousness. They have been sources of joy and satisfaction. Religion and culture are so deeply interwoven that their bounds are melted into the cultural life of people. Nepal is known as the land of temples where numerous gods and deities are worshipped. The divine figures are the fountain of enlightenment and virtuous deeds. They embody wisdom, knowledge, bravery and compassion.

Godly figures have lived in the memory and tradition of people for millennia. Their moral significance continues to define the societal and familial norms. Lord Ram and Ram’s consort Sita have been great sources of ethical values, conduct and acts for Hindus all over the world. They revere and commemorate Ram-Sita on several occasions throughout the years. Ancient philosopher King Janak was the father of Sita and father-in-law of Ram. Every Hindu wants to emulate Ram and Sita in their life. During Vivah Panchami that falls on the fifth day of bright half of Nepali month of Mansir, the people participate in the symbolic marriage of godly couple with devotion and merriment. The wedding celebrations are held in Janakpur, prehistoric city, steeped in Vedic knowledge, myths and tradition.

On Wednesday, the devotees from Nepal and India were engaged in the wedding ceremony of Ram and Sita, fostering the spiritual and cultural bond between Janakpur and Ayodhya of India. During the Treta Yuga, Ram, a prince of Ayodhya, had gone to Janakpur to tie the nuptial knot with Sita. But he had to prove his bravery before wedding Sita. He beat scores of suitors in a bow breaking contest held at Janaki Mandir, the palace of King Janak. The temple has been decorated like a wedding house while the marriage ceremony was held at the Rangabhoomi ground in Janakpurdham. It is believed that all the 560 million deities witnessed the function. According to the news report of this daily, various rituals such as the matkor, tilakotsav and swoyambara were observed as part of a week-long Vivah Panchami. The Province 2 government has granted public holiday for Wednesday across the province to mark the event.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that Vivah Panchami would help strengthen mutual harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and national unity in the geographically and culturally diverse Nepali society. The people living in the Mithila region have been marking the religious festival since the ancient time. It bears cultural and historical significance in creating a civilised, prosperous and cultured society because the festivals act as unifier among the people from different ethnic and social backgrounds. In addition to its spiritual value, such celebrations also help grow the local economy as it gives momentum to the transaction of goods and services.