Sita Navami (Janaki Jayanti)
सीता जयन्ती
April 25, 2026 · Baishakh 12, 2083 BS
Janakpur (Mithila region)
Plan a trip around Sita Navami (Janaki Jayanti)History & origin
The Ramayana holds that Sita was found by King Janak, not born of woman, while he ploughed the earth for a yagna — her name comes from 'sita', furrow — and was raised as his daughter before her marriage to Rama. Nepal's Janakpur, identified with ancient Mithila, is revered as her birthplace and is one of the country's most important Hindu pilgrimage towns.
How it’s celebrated
Janakpur's Janaki Mandir, an ornate marble temple built over the site traditionally associated with Sita's birth, is the center of observance, with special worship, devotional singing (bhajans) and pilgrims gathering from both Nepal and India's Mithila region. Smaller observances take place at Vishnu and Rama temples elsewhere in the country.
Tips for visitors
Janakpur's Janaki Mandir is worth prioritizing on this day if visiting the Terai — it's one of the most striking temples in Nepal and especially active during Sita Navami and the related Vivaha Panchami festival later in the year.
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