Janakpur Attractions 
Janakpur
Janakpur (pop. 72,000) is situated in the south of the Tarai 22 km (131/2 mi.) from the Indian border. The town is the heartland of the ancient Maithili culture which gave birth to its own language and script. Janakpur is also a popular pilgrim center; it was here that Sita (also known as Janaki), the heroine of the Ramayana, was born and where Rama was married.
Maithili is still spoken by sections of the population in both the Tarai and the adjacent Indian state of Bihar. Maithili women also keep up their traditional folk art, principally in the form of elaborate paintings on the mud walls of the houses and courtyard floors. Recently they have started to paint on paper.
The town is centered around the large Janaki Temple adjoining which, to the south and east, lies an area of narrow, bazaar-filled streets where traditional merchandise is traded (in the more southerly part especially). The Ram Mandir, a temple in the Nepalese pagoda style, is located there too.
Janakpur (pop. 72,000) is situated in the south of the Tarai 22 km (131/2 mi.) from the Indian border. The town is the heartland of the ancient Maithili culture which gave birth to its own language and script. Janakpur is also a popular pilgrim center; it was here that Sita (also known as Janaki), the heroine of the Ramayana, was born and where Rama was married.
Maithili is still spoken by sections of the population in both the Tarai and the adjacent Indian state of Bihar. Maithili women also keep up their traditional folk art, principally in the form of elaborate paintings on the mud walls of the houses and courtyard floors. Recently they have started to paint on paper.
The town is centered around the large Janaki Temple adjoining which, to the south and east, lies an area of narrow, bazaar-filled streets where traditional merchandise is traded (in the more southerly part especially). The Ram Mandir, a temple in the Nepalese pagoda style, is located there too.
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Festivals of Bibaha Panchami and Rama Navami
Held on the fifth day of the new moon at the end of November or beginning of January, the festival of Bibaha Panchami is a celebration of the wedding of Sita and Rama. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Janakpur for the occasion.
Rama Navami, honoring Rama's birthday, is another highpoint in the town's festive calendar. It takes place at the end of March/beginning of April to the accompaniment of huge processions.
Rama Navami, honoring Rama's birthday, is another highpoint in the town's festive calendar. It takes place at the end of March/beginning of April to the accompaniment of huge processions.
Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir
The Nepalese-style pagoda of the Ram Sita Bibaha Temple makes an interesting contrast with the domed Janaki Mandir. It was built to celebrate the mythical wedding of Rama and Sita, life-size statues of whom, together with Rama's half-brothers (they also took local princesses for their brides) can be glimpsed through the glass windows. On the anniversary of the wedding the figures are adorned with gaudy make-up and magnificent clothes.
Janakpur Surroundings
Dhanusa
The spot where Rama successfully met King Janak's challenge is called Dhanusa and lies about 15 km (91/4 mi.) north of Janakpur.
