Mithila Madhyama Parikrama begins

By Laxmi Chaudhary,Janakpurdham, Feb. 18: The 15-day Mithila Madhyama Parikrama, which holds historical and religious significance, formally began on Monday.

The Parikrama, which begins every year from the Mithila Bihari Temple in Kachuri, Mithila Bihari Municipality-8, Dhanusha, commenced this year in accordance with religious rituals.

Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav inaugurated the Parikrama by lifting the palanquin of the deity from the Mithila Bihari Temple. With the departure of the palanquin, the procession proceeded toward Hanuman Gadhi in Janakpurdham.

At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Yadav said that it is necessary to protect and promote the religious and cultural heritage related to the Treta Yuga. He also expressed his commitment to prioritising the development of religious tourism by advancing the ‘Ramayana Circuit.’He further informed that initiatives would be taken to connect Janakpurdham with Ayodhya, India, through a direct air service.

As per tradition, devotees will visit various pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India for 15 days, participating in religious rituals, hymns, and sermons.

The Parikrama includes four locations in India and 11 locations in Nepal’s Dhanusha and Mahottari districts. This journey, covering a distance of about 133 kilometres across Nepal and India, is also considered the world’s longest religious trek.

The devotees are scheduled to perform special pujas at Hanumangarhi and then depart for Kalaneshwar in India. After that, they will trek through Girijasthan, Matihani, Jaleshwar, Madai, Dhrubakunda, Kanchanaban, Parbata, Satokhar, Aurahi, and then to Karuna and Bisal in India.On the 15th day, the ‘Antargriha Panchkoshi Parikrama’ will be completed in Janakpurdham, and the Parikrama will formally conclude there.

Mahant Ram Naresh Sharan of Mithila Bihari Temple said that necessary security arrangements have been made in Dhanusha and Mahottari districts to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Arrangements for health services and drinking water have also been made.

He also mentioned that the Mithila Madhyama Parikrama, which has been continuing since ancient times, is regarded as a symbol of religious tolerance, cultural continuity, and a cultural bridge between Nepal and India. He said, “It is believed that this pilgrimage will promote religious tourism and also contribute to the local economy.”