Grand festivities, including Jhaki, Ganga Aarti, and rangoli, celebrated in Nepal’s Janakpur and India’s Ayodhya.
Janakpur, Nepal’s historic city and the birthplace of Goddess Sita, commemorated the first anniversary of Lord Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir with grand celebrations on Saturday. Over 1.25 lakh lamps illuminated the Janaki Temple premises, marking the occasion with vibrant festivities organized by the Dhanusha chapter of Bishwo Hindu Parisad Nepal.
The event featured Jhaki (tableau), Hawan (ritual offering), Ganga Aarti, and a beautifully designed rangoli at the temple grounds. The Janaki Sena, the youth wing of the Bishwo Hindu Parisad Nepal, spearheaded the arrangements.
Ashutosh Jha, national spokesperson of Janaki Sena, said:
“Last year, we celebrated this sacred event with similar grandeur, and this year, we have once again lit 1.25 lakh lamps alongside Ganga Aarti and other rituals to honor Janaki Ji.”
Ayodhya’s Spiritual Festivities
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, Shri Ram Lalla’s Mahabhishek was performed at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to commemorate the milestone. The day-long celebrations, held on January 11 to align with the Hindu calendar, included Agnihotra rituals, chanting of 6 lakh Shri Ram Mantras, and recitations of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa.
Key highlights included:
- Morning Rituals: Agnihotra conducted from 8 am to 11 am.
- Cultural Programs: Rag Seva (musical offerings) from 3 pm to 5 pm.
- Evening Festivities: Musical Manas recitation and congratulatory songs.
Chief Mahant of Janaki Temple, Ram Tapeshwor Das, expressed the excitement of the Mithila and Nepal communities:
“The first anniversary of our son-in-law’s homecoming is a moment of boundless joy for us. We pray that this celebration spreads happiness across borders.”
Ram Mandir: A Beacon of Devotion
Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, the Ram Janmabhoomi temple has seen millions of visitors. On New Year’s Day 2025 alone, over 2 lakh devotees offered prayers at the temple.
The Ram Mandir complex construction is also progressing swiftly, with the project expected to be completed by mid-2025, according to Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Temple Construction Committee.
Misra noted the significance of January, coinciding with both the Pran Pratishtha anniversary and preparations for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj:
“This January marks a spiritual milestone, drawing huge crowds to Ayodhya.”
A Cultural Bridge Between Nepal and India
The first anniversary of Lord Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between Janakpur and Ayodhya. These celebrations serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ramayana and the shared heritage of India and Nepal.