Varanasi — The festival of Ram Vivah Panchami was celebrated with great pomp and show in Varanasi. Along with the religious flag-hoisting in Ayodhya, the reverberation of shehnai and a glimpse of Lord Raghunath Rama's chariot procession were witnessed here in Kashi.
At the Shri Ram Janaki Math located at Assi Ghat, the wedding rituals began with the traditional 'Matkor' ceremony. Women, adorned in auspicious attire, proceeded from the ashram with musical instruments (baja-gaja), carrying Maa Janaki, singing auspicious songs, via Assi Chauraha to the banks of the Ganga, where special worship was offered to Maa Ganga.
At Shri Sankat Mochan Temple, on this occasion, from Tuesday until December 3rd, a daily Manas Navahn Path-Yagya is being organized from 8 AM to 12 PM by 111 Brahmins, along with a Manas Sammelan (conference) from 5 PM to 10 PM in the evening.
“Today, it felt as if Kashi and Mithila had become one — women were singing while carrying Maa Janaki, and the entire atmosphere was filled with festivity.” — A local woman, enthusiastic, observed at Assi Ghat “This celebration of Ram Vivah Panchami presents a vibrant picture of our culture. We are proud that it is happening in such a grand manner in Kashi.” — An audience member present before Temple Spokesperson Saint Ramlochan Das “The bhajan-kirtan (devotional singing) and procession created a beautiful ambiance. Children and elders alike participated with great enthusiasm.” — A resident, Swaroop
