JANAKPUR: Preparations for the grand Sitaram Bibaha Panchami Mahamotsav in Janakpurdham have reached the final stage as the week-long festival begins Thursday with the traditional Nagar Darshan procession.

According to the Janaki Temple management, cleaning, decoration, and the construction of pandals are progressing rapidly across the Janaki Temple premises, Rangabhoomi Maidan, and the Bahrabigha complex. Streets surrounding the temple are being illuminated with decorative lights as part of beautification efforts.

Mahanth Ramroshan Das, the temple’s heir, said that despite the main events taking place at the Janaki Temple and Bahrabigha Rangabhoomi Maidan, the festival has not received any government support this year. In previous years, government agencies provided financial and logistical assistance, but no such help has been extended this time, he added.

A large number of saints, yogis, ascetics, monks, and nuns from religious centers across India—including Ayodhya, Rishikesh, and Haridwar are expected to arrive for the celebrations. The festival, which reinforces Janakpurdham’s identity as the cultural capital of the Mithila region, has long contributed to strengthening Nepal India religious ties.

The week long Mahamotsav features a series of traditional rituals: Thursday’s Nagar Darshan, followed by Phulbari Leela, Dhanushayya, Teeloktsav, Matkor, and the grand Swayambhar and auspicious wedding ceremony.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of devotees from Nepal and India visit Janakpurdham to celebrate Mangsir Shukla Panchami.

Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luintel said that security arrangements have been tightened, with Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Traffic Police deployed in adequate numbers to manage the large crowds.