Ishwor Aryal, Kathmandu. The historic and cultural Vivah Panchami Mahamahotsav celebrated in Janakpurdham has formally begun on Sunday.

The week-long Vivah Panchami Mahamahotsav, which is held every year in Janakpurdham to commemorate the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita, began today.

Mahant Ramroshan Das Baishna of Janaki Temple informed that various programms will be organised highlighting the religious, cultural and historical importance of Janakpurdham during the seven-day festival.

The first day is celebrated with a ceremonial tour of the city of Janakpurdham in a ritual known as Nagar Darshan. On the second day, Phulbari Leela (flower garland tale) is celebrated. The third day is the day for Dhanush Yagya (Bow Oblation), the fourth day is Tilakotsav and on the fifth day, Matkor is celebrated.

On the sixth day on Friday Ram and Sita Swayambar or Vivah Panchami will be celebrated. On the seventh or the last day, the people of Janakpur bid farewell to Ram’s marriage procession which comes every year from Ayodhya, India.

According to Mahottari Correspondent Nagendra Kumar Karna preparations have been completed to welcome the people coming from Ayodhya of India at Matihani, the main entry point of Nepal, to participate in the Vivah Panchami festival.

Hari Prasad Mandal, Mayor of Matihani Municipality, said that preparations have been completed.

People coming from Ayodhya in India are scheduled to enter Matihani of Nepal on Monday. Around 400 people are expected to visit from Ayodhya, said mayor Karna.

He said that the chief guests and senior personalities coming as Janti would be kept in the three hotels in Matihani.

Other guests would rest at the Rajkiya Sanskrit Secondary School in Matihani and Laxminarayan Math in Matihani, which is the main Math of the Vaishnava sect, he said.

At 9:00 pm on Monday, the people entering Matihani will be welcomed by Mayor Mandal along with Mahant Jagannath Das Shastri of Matihani Math and the chiefs of security agencies.

Mayor Mandal informed that more than 27 dishes including roti, rice, lentils, various vegetables, taruwa, tilkar and various types of sweets will be served for the reception.

More than two dozen welcome gates have been set up in Matihani to welcome the wedding procession, while Diwali will also be celebrated in Matihani on Monday.

According to tradition, people come from Ayodhya every five years to participate in the Vivha Panchami.

Hundreds of people from Ayodhya in India are scheduled to reach Janakpur via Matihani, Jaleshwor and Pipara of Nepal for the Vivha Panchami to be held in Janakpur on December 6.