Janakpur Cultural tour highlights the very old civilization and culture from Terai dating back to Rigvedic period, arguably around 9th to 10th century BCE. This makes Janakpur one of the oldest and most famous cities of Nepal.
The centre of Janakpur is dominated by the impressive Janaki Mandir to the north and west of the bazaar. This temple, one of the biggest in Nepal, was built in 1898 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari and is also famously called “Nau Lakha Mandir” after the cost of construction which is said to have been nine lakh rupees.
Taking a stroll through the ancient Mithila city to experience the Terai culture of southern Nepal will lead you to the Ram Janaki Temple in the center of the city that draws allusions to the famous Hindu epic Ramayana.
Apart from the historic temples with its connection to ancient mythology, Janakpur is also known for its more than 200 scared ponds scattered throughout the city. Any pilgrimage is incomplete without a ritual bath in none of these ponds. The famous ones among them are Ganga Sagar, Dhanush Sagar and Ratna Sagar.
Since the whole region is considered the center of Maithili culture, Maithili art and culture is predominant in this area. Janakpur’s atmosphere is charged with an intense devotional zeal. New shrines are forever being inaugurated and idols installed, while loudspeakers broadcast religious discourses and the mesmerizing drone of bhajan.
The Janakpur calendar is marked by several highlights in the festival calendar, like Parikrama where as many as 100,000 people join the annual one-day circumambulation of the city on the day of the February/March full moon, and Chhath where women bathe in Janakpur’s ponds and line them with elaborate offerings to the sun god in October/November.
Religion Heritage…..
Janakpur, which is often called the cultural center of Nepal, is a treasure trove of Maithili culture. Maithili is an ancient culture with rich art forms and a deeply spiritual way of life. This section is meant to give readers a deep look into the traditional way of life in the Maithili community, which is part of the region’s rich cultural history.
Maithili culture, which is most common in the Janakpur region, has a rich history that is closely connected to the stories from the Ramayana. Their art, music, and traditions display a deep spiritual link with nature and a harmonious way of life. Here, we dive deep into Maithili culture and give an overview of their unique traditions, art forms, and social customs.
Festival and Celebration……..
Janakpur is a city that is alive with cultural energy and is the center of numerous festivals that are celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and grandeur. These Nepalese festivals are a lively blend of spirituality, traditions, and the joyous spirit of the local people. In this section, we look at some of the most important festivals held in Janakpur. Each one shows a different part of the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
Ghats Preparation: The banks of rivers and ponds are cleaned and decorated as devotees gather to offer prayers.
Evening Offerings: Devotees gather at the riverbanks during the evening to make offerings to the setting sun, accompanied by devotional songs and prayers.
Morning Arghya: The festival concludes with the offering of ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun, seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the family.
