President Bhandari extends greetings on Bibaha Panchami

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of Bibaha Panchami, the day to commemorate the wedding between Shree Ram and Janaki Mata.

 The day falls on Marg Shukla Panchami (the fifth day of waxing phase of moon in the Nepali month of Mangshir) according to the lunar calendar. The wedding of Hindu God Ram and Goddess Sita is believed to take place in the Tretayug.

 In the message here today, President Bhandari wished that may this day encourage all Nepalis to work for building a civilized and well-cultured society.

 The message reads, "I wish that may this ancient cultural festival Bibaha Panchami help consolidate unity amid social and cultural diversity, to protect and promote unique cultures and to build a civilized and well-cultured society."

 Acknowledging Bibaha Panchami as the festival having cultural and historical importance, the Head of the State said, "I am confident that this festival helps spur the sentiments of national unity in all Nepalis and reinforce goodwill, tolerance and fraternity among all Nepalis."

 The Bibaha Panchami is celebrated with gaiety and religious fervour especially in the historic city of Janakpur today, with thousands of devotees offering prayers at the famous Janaki temple since early morning today.

 Today's wedding ceremony is the major attraction during a week-long religious festival.

 The Bibaha Panchami festival is being celebrated across the country today by worshipping and paying homage to Shree Ramchandra and Sita.

 As per Mithila culture, various events as matkor, tilakostsab and swayambar are held in addition to the marriage ceremony. Cultural procession, dance and singing programmes add fervor to the festivity.