Vivah Panchami 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Lord Rama and Mata Sita: Families and devotees observe this day to remember the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Mata Sita, seeking their blessings for a harmonious home.
• Married Couples: Couples pray for love, understanding, and a lasting bond in their marriage, following the ideal of Rama and Sita.
• Those Seeking a Suitable Match: Unmarried men and women pray for a good life partner and a timely, happy marriage (Vivah Sukh).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathing, the Sankalp, and the start of the puja take place in the morning, from Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period) onwards.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja and the ceremonial wedding of Rama and Sita are done in the morning hours after sunrise (many temples hold them through the forenoon). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Aarti: Many families light a lamp and sing the Ramayana verses again at dusk.

About the Festival

Vivah Panchami is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India, especially in Mithila, Ayodhya, and Nepal, marking the sacred marriage of Lord Rama and Mata Sita. It takes place on the Panchami (fifth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha.

The Katha (Story of Rama and Sita's Wedding)

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Mithila, King Janaka found a baby girl in a furrow of the field while ploughing. He named her Sita and raised her with great love. In Janaka's court was a mighty bow of Lord Shiva, which no one could even lift.

When Sita came of age, King Janaka announced that whoever could string the bow of Shiva would marry her. Many kings and princes came, but none could move it. The sage Vishwamitra then brought the young princes Rama and Lakshmana of Ayodhya to the court.

The sage Vishwamitra blessed Rama and asked him to take up the bow of Shiva. Rama lifted the bow with ease and, as he strung it, it broke with a mighty sound. King Janaka was overjoyed, and he invited King Dasharatha to Mithila for the wedding.

On the Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha, Rama and Sita were married in a grand ceremony, and his brothers were married to Sita's sister and cousins on the same occasion. Pleased with the devotion and purity of the divine couple, all the people rejoiced. Since that day, Vivah Panchami has been celebrated as the day of the divine wedding, and devotees receive the blessings of a happy married life.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Rama and Mata Sita together, with Lakshmana and Hanuman if available
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Wedding Offerings: New clothes in yellow or red for the deities, a Chunari, bangles, sindoor, and a garland of flowers (Jaimala)
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, fruits, sweets, and Tulsi leaves
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, sacred thread (kalava), betel leaves (paan), and a small vessel of clean water

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow or red).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Rama and Mata Sita, today I worship you on your holy wedding day. Bless my home with love, harmony, and the peace of your divine presence."
3. Many devotees keep a simple fast or eat only sattvic food through the day (practice varies by family).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Morning)

1. Clean the puja area and place a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean yellow or red cloth.
2. Place the picture or idol of Lord Rama and Mata Sita on it, with Lakshmana and Hanuman beside them.
3. Place a small pot (Kalash) filled with clean water near the altar, with a few mango leaves on top.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the deities.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Chandan, and Akshat to Lord Rama and Mata Sita.
3. Offering Wedding Items: Offer new clothes, the Chunari, bangles, and sindoor to Mata Sita, and a garland to Lord Rama.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the Kheer, fruits, and sweets before the deities with Tulsi leaves.

Step 4: The Ceremonial Wedding and Katha

1. Place the garlands (Jaimala) on the deities, and tie a piece of Kalava (red thread) around the Kalash as in a wedding ceremony.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Ramcharitmanas verses of Rama and Sita's wedding, or the Vivah Panchami story.
3. Chant "Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" or recite the Ram Raksha Stotra (as is common in many homes).

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers

1. Perform the Aarti of Lord Rama and Mata Sita with the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Offer flowers at their feet and pray for harmony, love, and a happy marriage in your family.
3. Those seeking a suitable match may pray with a heartfelt wish to Sita and Rama for a good partner.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweet prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Conclude the vrat by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.