Vivah Panchami
विवाह पंचमीVivah Panchami celebrates the wedding of Rama and Sita. It falls on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Margashirsha and is celebrated most grandly in Janakpur and Ayodhya.
Next: Monday, 14 December 2026
What is it?
The festival marks the day tradition gives for the marriage of Rama and Sita in Mithila, after Rama broke Shiva's bow at King Janaka's court. In Janakpur, Sita's home, the wedding is re-enacted with processions, music and the exchange of garlands, and pilgrims travel there from Ayodhya.
Why is it celebrated?
Devotees read the wedding sargas of the Bala Kanda or the corresponding part of the Ramcharitmanas, and many temples hold symbolic weddings of the divine couple. In parts of Mithila the day is considered too sacred for ordinary weddings, because of the sorrows Sita later faced.
Aartis for the day
Frequently asked questions
When is Vivah Panchami?
What does Vivah Panchami celebrate?
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana
Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.
