Madhya Mithila Parikrama pilgrimage begins today
16th February 2026, Kathmandu
The sacred landscape of the Madhesh Province has once again become the stage for one of the most profound spiritual gatherings in South Asia as the Madhya Mithila Parikrama officially commenced this week. Starting from the Mithila Bihari Municipality in Dhanusha, this 15 day walking pilgrimage represents a timeless tradition that weaves together the religious, historical, and cultural fabric of Nepal and India. The journey began with the ceremonial departure of the holy Ram Janaki Dola from the Mithila Bihari Math in Kachuri, a ritual that has been observed for centuries to honor the divine union and life of Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki. As thousands of devotees set out on this 120 kilometer circuit, the event stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Mithila civilization.
Madhya Mithila Parikrama pilgrimage
The timing of the pilgrimage is governed by the lunar calendar, traditionally beginning on the day of Falgun Aunsi and concluding on the full moon day of Falgun Purnima. This year, the start of the journey on Falgun 4, 2082, saw a massive turnout of pilgrims, including saints, ascetics, and householders from various parts of Nepal and the neighboring Indian state of Bihar. The route is meticulously planned to include 15 significant resting points, known as Bishram Sthals, where devotees spend their nights in communal prayer and reflection. Of these 15 stops, 13 are located within the Nepalese districts of Dhanusha and Mahottari, while the remaining two are situated across the border in India, highlighting the transborder nature of this spiritual circuit.
The first major stop after leaving Kachuri is Hanumangadhi in Janakpurdham, followed by a crossing into India to reach Kalyaneshwar. From there, the procession moves through Girija Sthan in Phulhar, India, before returning to Nepal to visit Matihani, Jaleshwar, and Marai Sthan. Each location along the path holds a specific mythological significance. For instance, Matihani is traditionally known as the place from which soil was collected for the marriage ceremony of Goddess Sita, while Girija Sthan is believed to be the site of the ancient flower garden where Ram and Sita first met. These stories come alive as the pilgrims, often walking barefoot, chant hymns and perform rituals that have remained largely unchanged since the 18th century.
A defining feature of the Madhya Mithila Parikrama is its role as a cultural bridge. The pilgrimage route effectively ignores modern political boundaries, emphasizing the shared heritage of the Mithila region that spans both Nepal and India. This year, the commencement was marked by the presence of high level provincial officials, including Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, who underscored the government’s commitment to developing the Ramayana Circuit. A major focus of this development plan is the expansion of Janakpur Airport. The proposed upgrades aim to facilitate direct flight connectivity between Janakpur and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. Such a connection would revolutionize religious tourism in the region, allowing pilgrims to complete a comprehensive spiritual journey between the two most significant cities of the Ramayana era.
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The physical and mental endurance required for the pilgrimage is a form of penance for many participants. Walking 120 kilometers in two weeks is no small feat, especially for the elderly devotees who make up a significant portion of the procession. To support these pilgrims, local communities and social organizations along the route have set up free health camps, food stalls, and temporary shelters. The provincial government has also coordinated with security forces to ensure the safety of the massive crowds and has implemented a temporary ban on the sale of alcohol and meat products in the vicinity of the parikrama route to maintain the sanctity of the event.
As the pilgrimage moves through the rural heartlands of Dhanusha and Mahottari, it provides a significant boost to the local economy. Small vendors, traditional craftsmen, and local lodges see a surge in demand for their goods and services. However, the true value of the event lies in its social cohesion. People from different castes, backgrounds, and nationalities walk side by side, united by a common faith. This sense of unity is most visible during the final leg of the journey, the Antar Griha Parikrama. This 8 kilometer inner circuit around the holy city of Janakpurdham marks the spiritual climax of the 15 day journey. On the day of Fagu Purnima, the entire city transforms into a sea of color and devotion as pilgrims complete their final circumambulation before celebrating the festival of Holi.
From an investment and tourism perspective, the Madhya Mithila Parikrama is an underutilized asset with immense potential. By improving the infrastructure at the 15 resting points and enhancing cross border coordination, Nepal can position this pilgrimage as a premier global destination for spiritual tourism. The integration of the parikrama into the broader Ramayana Circuit, coupled with the improved air connectivity to Ayodhya, is expected to attract a new wave of international tourists and researchers interested in the ancient traditions of Mithila.
In conclusion, the commencement of the Madhya Mithila Parikrama in Falgun 2082 is more than just a religious event; it is a living museum of Mithila culture and a symbol of the deep rooted ties between Nepal and India. As the holy palanquin makes its way through the sacred villages and towns of the Terai, it carries with it the hopes and prayers of millions. The successful execution of this year’s pilgrimage, supported by government initiatives and community participation, reinforces Janakpur’s status as a central hub of Hindu civilization and a beacon of cultural unity in South Asia.
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