Mithila Madhya Parikrama
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Mithila Madhya Parikrama (मिथिला मध्य परिक्रमा) is an annual circular journey of the central part of the Mithila region in Nepal and Bihar (India). It is held every year between the months of Kartik (October–November), Falgun (February–March) and Baishakh (April–May). It is mentioned in the epic Mithila Mahatmya which was composed in the 18th century.[1][2] It is also called as the Mahakumbha of Mithila. Similarly it is also considered as the symbol of Nepal-India mutual goodwill.[3][4][5][6] It also symbolizes the "roti-beti ka rishta" by connecting communities in India and Nepal through a shared cultural and religious heritage related to the legendary marriage between Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in the ancient Mithila Kingdom. Devotees from both nations undertake the pilgrimage, which includes sites in both countries, to reinforce shared traditions and goodwill. It is echoing the historical familial ties that form the basis of this deeply rooted relationship.[7]
| Mithila Madhya Parikrama | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Mithila Madhya Parikrama |
| Also called | मिथिला मध्य परिक्रमा |
| Observed by | Hinduism |
| Type | Cultural |
| Significance | Parikrama of sedans of Mithila Bihari(Lord Rama) and Janaki Kishoriji(Goddess Sita) |
| Celebrations | Spiritual journey of the central part of Mithila |
| Begins | Falgun Amavasya |
| Ends | Holi |
| Date | 27 February 2025 – 14 March 2025 |
| Duration | 15 days |
| Frequency | Annual |
According to the third chapter of the epic Mithila Mahatmya there are three Hindu calendar months Kartik (कार्तिक), Falgun (फाल्गुन) and Baishakh (बैशाख) in which this circular journey can be done. It covers circuit path of 128 km distance between India and Nepal both countries. Mithila Parikrama is of three types. They are Brihat Mithila Parikrama, Mithila Madhya Parikrama and Antargrih Parikrama. Brihat Mithila Parikrama covers 84 Kosh distance of ancient Indian distance measuring system, so it is also called as Chaurasi Kosh Parikrama (चौरासी कोश परिक्रमा) . It covers area of Mithila near Ganga river, Gandak river, Himalaya and Koshi river. It covers very large distance. Mithila Madhya Parikrama is smaller than the Brihat Mithila Parikrama. It starts from Kachuri village of Dhanusha district of Mithila region in Nepal and traveling the part of Mithila region in India, it ends at Janaki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal.[8] According to the text, it should be travelled within only five days but the Pandits of Mithila extended the period of time and determined it for 15 days journey, so that the journey for old and disabled people would be easier. It starts from the day of Amavasya in the Hindu calendar month of Falgun and end on the day of Purnima or the Hindu festival Holi. On the day of Hindu festival Holi, an internal circumambulation of the holy city of Janakpur is also performed by the travellers which is known as Antargrih Parikrama. It covers approximately 8 km long circular path of the city of Janakpur in Nepal.[9] According to sages, it is a world famous circumambulation related to the path of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in the ancient Mithila Kingdom.[10]
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