Vivah Panchami is a highly auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the holy marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, an event described in the Ramayana with deep reverence and devotion. This sacred day falls on the Panchami (fifth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, and is observed with great enthusiasm, especially in the regions connected to the life of Shri Ram—Ayodhya, Mithila (Janakpur), Chitrakoot, and many North Indian states.
According to scriptures, this day marks the divine union of Dharma (righteousness) and Shakti (purity). Lord Rama, the embodiment of virtue, married Sita, the symbol of devotion and purity, in the kingdom of Mithila. Their marriage is considered an ideal example of love, respect, and spiritual harmony.
On Vivah Panchami, temples organize special rituals that recreate the sacred wedding ceremony. Devotees participate in Ram-Sita Vivah Utsav, where idols of Lord Rama and Sita are beautifully dressed in wedding attire and adorned with flowers, jewelry, and traditional decorations. Priests perform rituals resembling a real marriage — including Varmala, Kanyadaan, Mangalphera, and Saat Vachan — while chanting Vedic mantras. The atmosphere becomes divine with bhajans, drum beats, conch sounds, and joyful celebrations.
Pilgrims also observe fasts, recite Ramayana verses, and visit temples of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. In Janakpur (Nepal), where the wedding took place, lakhs of devotees gather for the grand Vivah Panchami Mahotsav, making it one of the largest Rama-Sita celebrations in the world.
The festival symbolizes the victory of purity over ego, love over negativity, and devotion over worldly desires. It inspires couples to build relationships based on trust, respect, sacrifice, and dharma. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Rama and Goddess Sita on this day brings harmony in family life, removes obstacles in marriage, and blesses devotees with peace and prosperity.