Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday attended the symbolic wedding of Lord Rama with Sita and offered prayers at the famous Janaki temple in Nepal's historic Janakpur city.
Adityanath, who arrived in Janakpur as head of the Indian delegation to participate in 'Vivah Panchami' celebrations, was welcomed by Chief Minister of Province 2 Mohammad Lalbabu Raut Gaddi at the airport.
Janakpur is known as the birth place of Sita. A massive Janaki temple was built in memory of Sita in 1910. The three-storied structure made entirely of stone and marble is 50-metre high and spread over 4,860 sq feet.
Adityanath went straight to Janaki temple from the airport. He offered prayers and circumambulated the temple.
Janakpur city was decorated with colourful lights, paper flags and banners. Flowers were showered from helicopter while Adityanath was offering prayer at the temple.
In the afternoon, he participated in Ram-Sita 'Swayamvar' and wedding ceremony at famous Rangabhoomi in Barah Bigha ground.
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The 'Swayambar' is enacted every year on 'Vivaha Panchami' to commemorate Ram-Sita marriage.
Both the chief ministers and Mayor of Jankapur Lal Kishor Sah witnessed the rituals of 'Vivah Panchami'.
Nepalese Minister for Tourism and Culture Ravindra Adhikari and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri were also present on the occasion.
The 'Vivah Panchami' is celebrated in Janakpur every year to mark Ram-Sita marriage, which is a unique example of centuries old strong ties between the people of Nepal and India.
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama of Ayodhya had married Sita in Janakpur.
Adityanath also attended Mithila cultural programme.
Lalbabu hosted a lunch in the honour of Adityanath at Madhesh Bhawan - residence of the Chief Minister of Province 2. The lunch was attended by various political leaders and dignitaries.
Adityanath also met with senior leaders from federal government and Province 2 before returning home after concluding his day-long visit.
In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Janakpur where he inaugurated a bus service between Ayodhya and Jankpur and announced Rs 100 crore aid to the Province No 2.