Panchami Tithi Begins - 04:47 PM on Dec 13, 2026

Panchami Tithi Ends - 07:15 PM on Dec 14, 2026

Vivah Panchami marks the divine wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. According to Hindu belief, it was on this day that Lord Shri Rama and Devi Sita were united in marriage and hence, the day is celebrated to commemorate their celestial union. Vivah Panchami is a highly revered festival observed by followers of Hinduism in remembrance of the divine marriage of Shri Rama and Mata Sita. As per the Hindu Panchang, the festival is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi of Margashirsha month. It is observed with great devotion and fervor, especially in regions such as Mithila, Ayodhya and across various parts of India.

This sacred event is described in detail in scriptures such as the Ramcharitmanas, Valmiki Ramayana and other Hindu religious texts. The divine wedding took place in Janakpuri, which is now identified with Janakpur in present-day Nepal. King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, organized a Swayamvara for his daughter, Goddess Sita, with a challenge: whoever could string the bow of Lord Shiva would win Her hand in marriage. One after another, all kings and princes failed in this task. Finally, Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, stepped forward and not only lifted the massive bow, i.e., Shiva Dhanusha but also broke it while stringing, thereby fulfilling the challenge. As a result, Devi Sita married Lord Rama and this divine episode became a milestone of devotion, Dharma and divine love. The festival of Vivah Panchami is celebrated to honor this divine union and it continues to inspire devotees with the ideals of righteousness, commitment and sacred love.

According to descriptions found in Hindu scriptures, the divine wedding of Lord Shri Rama and Goddess Sita took place in Janakpuri on the Shukla Panchami of Margashirsha month, accompanied by royal grandeur. On this sacred occasion, it is said that the Gods showered flowers from the heavens and Rishi-Muni, Brahmins, as well as the people of Ayodhya and Mithila, joyfully participated in the grand celebration. For this reason, Vivah Panchami is not merely considered a festival, but a divine and auspicious union of cosmic significance. From a religious perspective, Vivah Panchami holds great spiritual importance. On this day, devotees recall the divine wedding ceremony and express their devotion and reverence to Lord Shri Rama and Goddess Sita. Devotees of Lord Rama celebrate the festival with immense joy and festivity. It is believed that worshipping Lord Rama on this day brings blessings for a blissful and prosperous married life. People seek the Lord Rama's divine blessings for harmony, love and fulfillment in marriage.

On this day, devotees wake up early, bathe and take a Sankalpa to observe the fast. They perform a ritualistic Puja of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, either using idols or images. The Puja includes offerings of Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya, Pushpa, Phala and Panchamrita for the ceremonial Abhishekam of the divine couple. As part of the Vivah Panchami Katha, devotees recite or listen to the Sita Swayamvara and wedding episodes from Valmiki Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas. In the evening, a symbolic wedding celebration is held, including tableaux of Shri Sita-Rama's wedding and people sing Bhajan-Kirtana and Mangala Gita.

In Nepal, the festival of Vivah Panchami is especially celebrated in Janakpur. Even today, this festival is observed with great devotion at the Janaki Mandir located in Janakpur Dham, where a large number of devotees gather to celebrate it as a major occasion. Grand tableaux depicting the scenes of the divine wedding, processions and festivities are organized. In Ayodhya too, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

According to religious scriptures, observing a fast on Vivah Panchami brings the devotee a blessed married life, good fortune and fulfillment of desires. This fast is considered especially beneficial for women who desire conjugal happiness and unbroken marital bliss. Thus, Vivah Panchami is not merely a religious date, but a commemorative festival of the divine union of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama, a living symbol of devotion, love, righteousness and moral values. This festival upholds the sanctity of the marriage sacrament and presents an ideal of household life in Hindu community.