Mithila is a land of rich traditions, spirituality, and vibrant festivals. Each festival reflects the deep-rooted cultural, religious, and social heritage of the region. From grand religious celebrations to unique local customs, Mithila’s festivals bring families and communities together in joy and devotion.
1. Chhath Puja (छठ पूजा) – Worship of the Sun God:
Significance: Chhath Puja is the most important festival of Mithila, dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
When: Celebrated twice a year – Chaitra Chhath (March-April) and Kartiki Chhath (October-November).
Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and significant festivals celebrated with immense devotion in Mithila, as well as in other parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region. It is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, a form of Goddess Shashthi, who is believed to bless devotees with health, prosperity, and well-being. The festival is observed twice a year—once in Chaitra (March-April) as Chaiti Chhath and more popularly in Kartik (October-November) as Kartik Chhath, six days after Diwali.
In Mithila, Chhath Puja is not just a religious observance but a way of life. It is deeply embedded in the culture, traditions, and identity of the people. The festival stands out due to its strict rituals, simplicity, and deep spiritual significance. The entire process is performed with purity, discipline, and unwavering faith.
First Day – Nahay-Khay (Bathing and Eating) : The festival begins with Nahay-Khay, which means taking a holy bath and eating a pure meal. Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a dip in rivers, ponds, or any sacred water bodies, particularly the Ganga, Kosi, or local ponds in Mithila. This bath symbolizes physical and spiritual purification. After bathing, the devotees prepare a pure and satvik meal (vegetarian food without onion and garlic), which is usually made of kaddu-bhaat (pumpkin and rice), daal, and ghee. The meal is first offered to the deity and then consumed as prasad by the devotees and their families.
Second Day – Kharna (Fasting and Evening Puja) : On the second day, known as Kharna, the devotees observe a strict fast without food and water throughout the day. In the evening, after sunset, they prepare a special prasad consisting of gur ke kheer (sweet rice pudding made with jaggery and milk), roti (made from whole wheat flour), and fruits. This prasad is first offered to Chhathi Maiya and then distributed among family members and neighbors. After Kharna, the devotees begin a 36-hour Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water), which continues until the final puja offerings to the Sun God.
Third Day – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering to the Setting Sun): The most spectacular and spiritually uplifting part of Chhath Puja is the Sandhya Arghya, where devotees offer their first prayers to the setting sun. By the evening, the ghats (riverbanks) of Mithila, whether it is the Kamala River, Bagmati River, or any local pond, are beautifully decorated with banana leaves, sugarcane arches, and earthen lamps (diyas). Families, relatives, and communities gather in large numbers wearing traditional attire. Women, dressed in bright yellow, red, or orange sarees, carry bamboo soops (winnowing baskets) filled with prasad such as thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut, betel leaves, and other sacred offerings.
As the sun sets, devotees stand waist-deep in the water and offer Arghya (water offering) to the sun with full devotion. The atmosphere is filled with Chhath songs and folk melodies, sung by women in Maithili, celebrating the glory of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. The whole scene is mesmerizing, as the sky reflects the golden hues of the setting sun, and the devotees pray with folded hands, seeking blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their families.
Fourth Day – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering to the Rising Sun): After a long night of devotion, the final and most crucial ritual, Usha Arghya, is performed before sunrise. Devotees once again return to the ghats in the early morning, standing in the water to offer prayers to the rising sun. This act symbolizes gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth. The first rays of sunlight are believed to have healing properties, and thus, standing in the water while praying is considered highly beneficial.
2. Sama Chakeva (सामा चकेवा) – Festival of Brother-Sister Bond:
Significance: A festival celebrated to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters.
When: During Kartik Purnima (November).
Sama-Chakeva is a beautiful and vibrant festival celebrated in the Mithila region, especially by women and young girls. It marks the bond of love between brothers and sisters and is observed during the Kartik month (October-November) when migratory birds return from the Himalayas to the plains. This festival is filled with folk songs, rituals, and colorful clay figurines, making it an essential part of Mithila’s rich cultural heritage.
Sama-Chakeva is deeply rooted in mythology and folklore. It is believed that Sama, the daughter of Lord Krishna, was falsely accused and cursed to become a bird. However, her brother Chakeva prayed for her transformation back into a human. His love and devotion led to her salvation, and since then, this festival is celebrated to honor the strong bond between siblings.
3. Jitiya (जीतिया व्रत) – Jitiya, also known as Jivitputrika Vrat, is a significant three-day festival observed by mothers for the well-being of their children. The first day, Nahai-Khai, begins with a ritual bath, after which mothers partake in a single vegetarian meal. This meal is traditionally prepared using ghee (clarified butter) and pink salt, adhering to specific dietary guidelines. The second day, Khur-Jitiya or Jiviputrika day, is marked by a rigorous, waterless fast, demonstrating immense devotion. The third day, Parana, culminates in the breaking of the fast with a feast of carefully prepared delicacies. This includes curry rice, a leafy green dish made from noni (portulaca oleracea) saag, and roti made from marua (eleusine coracana) flour. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the festival is accompanied by the popular folk tale of a jackal and an eagle, symbolizing protection and maternal instincts. Along with prayers dedicated to the deity Jiutvahan, offerings are also made in the names of these animals, acknowledging their role in the narrative and the festival’s symbolism.
4. Vivah Panchami (विवाह पंचमी) : Vivah Panchami is a grand and sacred festival celebrated in Mithila, marking the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. This festival falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (November-December). It holds immense religious and cultural importance, especially in the Mithila region, where Goddess Sita was born.
Vivah Panchami marks the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, a sacred event described in the Ramayana. This auspicious day celebrates the union of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Rama, and Goddess Lakshmi’s incarnation, Sita, symbolizing righteousness, devotion, and ideal companionship.
The Grand Swayamvar Organized by King Janaka
King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, was renowned for his wisdom and devotion. According to the Ramayana, one day while plowing a sacred field for a yajna (ritual), he discovered a baby girl in the furrow. Realizing that she was a divine gift, he adopted her and named her Sita (meaning “furrow”). She grew up as the princess of Mithila, possessing unmatched beauty, virtue, and intelligence.
As Sita reached marriageable age, King Janaka wanted her to marry a worthy and powerful prince. Since she was not an ordinary human but a divine being, her marriage had to be special. He, therefore, set forth a condition for marriage—whosoever could lift and string the celestial bow of Lord Shiva, called Pinaka, would win Sita’s hand.
This bow, a divine weapon given to the ancestors of Janaka, was so massive and powerful that no warrior, king, or sage could even move it. The challenge attracted numerous mighty kings, including the arrogant Ravana, who all failed to lift it.
Lord Rama’s Arrival and the Breaking of Pinaka
At the same time, Sage Vishwamitra was taking young Prince Rama and his brother Lakshmana on a divine journey. On Vishwamitra’s request, Janaka invited them to the Swayamvar.
When Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, stepped forward, he effortlessly lifted the bow and attempted to string it. With a forceful pull, the mighty bow broke into two pieces, creating a thunderous sound that shook the earth. This proved that Lord Rama was the supreme warrior destined to marry Goddess Sita.
After Lord Ram successfully won the challenge, messengers were sent to Ayodhya to inform King Dasharatha. Soon, a grand royal wedding was organized, with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita’s marriage taking place in the presence of all deities and sages. Alongside them, the wedding of Rama’s three brothers—Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna—with Mandavi, Urmila, and Shrutakirti (Sita’s sisters) was also celebrated.
5. Chaurchan Puja (चौरचन पूजा) : Chaurchan is a significant festival in the Mithila region, encompassing parts of India and Nepal. It is observed as a fast by married women and is known by various names, including Charchanna Pabni and Chauth Chand. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Chandra Deva, and holds considerable religious importance. Observances include a strict fast, the preparation of prasad, and the simultaneous observance of Ganesh Chaturthi. Worship is offered to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, and the moon god. The festival concludes with the recitation of the Chorchan Puja story and the offering of Arghya to Chandra Deva.
6. Kojagara (कोजगरा ) : Kojagara, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a highly significant festival in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. Celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October), this festival is deeply associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed that on this night, the Goddess descends to bless those who remain awake and devoted to her. The very name “Kojagara” is derived from the Sanskrit phrase “Ko Jagarti?”, which means “Who is awake?”, highlighting the essence of the festival—staying awake in devotion to receive divine blessings.
The festival is primarily observed by women, especially housewives, who pray for prosperity and happiness in their households. Throughout the day, they engage in cleaning and decorating their homes, ensuring everything is neat and welcoming for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. The floors of the house are adorned with intricate “alpana” or “rangoli”, drawn using rice flour to create auspicious patterns symbolizing prosperity.
As evening approaches, preparations for the puja begin. Women dress in traditional attire, often in new clothes, and set up the puja space where an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi is placed. The puja starts with lighting earthen lamps (diyas), which are arranged beautifully around the house, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the eradication of darkness from life. Dudh-Bhat (milk and rice) and Makhan Payas (butter kheer) are prepared as special offerings to the goddess.
7. Tila Sakrait (तिला सकराईत) – A Traditional Festival of Mithila:
Tila Sakrait, also known as Til Sankranti or Makar Sankranti, is one of the significant festivals celebrated in the Mithila region. It marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, signifying the beginning of Uttarayan, which is considered highly auspicious in Hindu culture. This festival is deeply connected to agriculture, as it falls after the harvesting season, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude towards nature.
In Mithila, Tila Sakrait is closely associated with the consumption of til (sesame) and jaggery, which are believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in rural households, where families prepare various delicacies made from sesame seeds, rice, and jaggery. Women wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to the Sun God, seeking blessings for health and prosperity.
A unique tradition followed in Mithila is the preparation of tilkut, a sweet dish made of crushed sesame seeds and jaggery, along with dahi-chura (flattened rice with curd) and seasonal sweets. People visit relatives, exchange these homemade sweets, and extend good wishes for the new season.
8. Joor Sital (जुर शीतल ):
Joor Sital, also known as Maithili New Year, is a significant festival celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Maithili calendar, falling on the first day of the month of Baisakh, which usually corresponds to mid-April in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of Mithila and symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and gratitude towards nature.
On this day, the most notable tradition is the ritual of cooling (Sital), which is why it is called “Joor Sital.” People begin the day by sprinkling cool water on the ground, household items, and even each other, signifying purification and seeking blessings for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. This act is not just a custom but also a way to acknowledge and show respect for water, which is essential for life and agriculture.
A special dish called “Bari-Bhaat” is an essential part of the celebrations. Prepared a day before, it consists of soaked rice (bhaat) and dried lentil cakes (bari), served cold with curd or raw mango chutney. The tradition of eating cold food is associated with cooling the body and preparing for the hot summer ahead. Families gather to enjoy this meal together, reinforcing the spirit of unity and togetherness.
Joor Sital is also a festival of respecting elders and seeking blessings. Younger members of the family visit elders, touch their feet, and receive their good wishes. In return, they are given gifts, often in the form of new clothes, money, or sweets. This act strengthens family bonds and highlights the Maithili tradition of honoring elders.
The festival holds special significance for farmers as well. It is a time to express gratitude to the Earth and nature, as the agricultural cycle starts anew. Farmers pray for timely rains and a good harvest. Cattle, which play a crucial role in farming, are also honored on this day, and some communities even bathe and decorate their livestock as a mark of respect.
9. Madhushravani (मधुश्रावणी ) : Madhushravani is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Mithila, especially by newly married women. It is a month-long festival observed in the month of Shravan (July-August) and holds deep religious, cultural, and spiritual significance. This festival marks the celebration of marital bliss, devotion to gods and goddesses, and the strengthening of traditional values in Maithil society.
Significance and Purpose: Madhushravani is primarily observed by newlywed brides, symbolizing their entry into a new life and seeking blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. It is believed that through this festival, the bride learns about the customs, rituals, and traditional stories of Mithila, which she is expected to follow throughout her life. The festival also represents the bond between nature and human life, as it is celebrated during the monsoon season when the earth is rejuvenated.
Rituals and Celebrations: The festival lasts for fifteen days or the entire Shravan month, during which newly married women observe daily rituals, fasts, and listen to mythological stories narrated by elderly women or priests. These stories revolve around goddesses, snakes (Nag Devta), and various deities, teaching moral values and the importance of faith. The festival is also associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as serpent gods like Nag Devta.
One of the most important aspects of the festival is the worship of snakes (Nag Puja). It is believed that worshipping snakes during Madhushravani brings prosperity and protects the family from misfortune. Women offer milk, flowers, and vermillion (sindoor) to the idols or images of snake deities and seek their blessings.
Another key part of the festival is the preparation of traditional Maithil food. Newly married women prepare and offer special dishes, including Pua, Malpua, Kheer, and other sweets, to the deities before consuming them. These dishes are first offered to Nag Devta and then distributed as Prasad among family members.
The Role of Storytelling (Katha-Vachan): A unique and crucial part of Madhushravani is the listening of traditional folktales and mythological stories. Every evening, women gather in groups, and elderly women or priests recite sacred stories (Katha) related to goddesses, serpent deities, and virtuous women from Hindu mythology. These stories teach values such as loyalty, devotion, patience, and righteousness. The storytelling sessions are accompanied by Maithili songs, which add a spiritual and festive essence to the atmosphere.
The Final Day and Grand Celebration: On the last day of the festival, women perform a special puja and release clay idols of snakes and other deities in water bodies (rivers or ponds). This ritual signifies the completion of their vows and prayers. Families organize feasts, and everyone participates in singing and dancing, making it a joyous occasion of community bonding.
10. Sita Navami (सीता नवमी ) :
Sita Navami is a highly revered and devotional festival celebrated in the Mithila region, marking the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita. This festival falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh and is also known as Janaki Navami. Since Mithila is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, this occasion holds immense religious, cultural, and spiritual significance. It not only symbolizes the birth of Goddess Sita but also serves as a moment to reflect on her life and ideals.
The grandest celebrations of Sita Navami take place in Janakpur, a city in Nepal, considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita. Various temples across the Mithila region, especially the Janaki Temple, witness elaborate rituals and ceremonies on this day. Women, in particular, observe fasting with great devotion, praying to Goddess Sita for a blissful married life, progeny, and family prosperity. In Mithila, this festival is deeply associated with women’s virtue, marital harmony, and the highest ideals of family life. Goddess Sita is regarded as a symbol of patience, devotion, sacrifice, and feminine strength. On this day, stories of her unwavering faith, endurance, and commitment are narrated, inspiring women to remain strong and resilient in their own lives.
Sita Navami stands as a symbol of virtue, righteousness, and the importance of family values. It teaches us that with patience, sacrifice, and devotion, one can overcome any adversity in life. The ideals of Goddess Sita continue to guide society, empowering women to be conscious of their rights and responsibilities.
11. Ghadi Parva (घड़ी पर्व) : Ghadi Parva is an important festival deeply connected to the culture of Mithila. It is primarily celebrated for the well-being, prosperity, and harmony of family life. Married women observe this festival with devotion, praying for the happiness and prosperity of their husbands, families, and children. It is associated with the stability and peace of married life. Interestingly, women do not consume the special prasad (offering) prepared on this day, as it is believed that only men are supposed to eat it.
The festival is called Ghadi because the rituals and prayers are performed at an auspicious moment (ghadi) following specific religious customs. On this occasion, women dress in new clothes, take a vow, and perform the rituals with full devotion. The puja includes the use of holy water (Gangajal), Tulsi leaves, rice, Durva grass, fruits, flowers, lamps, and turmeric-kumkum (vermilion and turmeric powder) as offerings.
On this day, women observe a nirjala vrat (a fast without water) and break it only in the evening after performing the puja at the most auspicious time. They listen to sacred stories related to the festival, offer prayers, and then break their fast by drinking water. One of the unique aspects of this festival is seeking the blessings of elders and praying for the well-being of the family.
The most significant offering of this festival is Ghadi (a special type of sweet dish), from which the festival derives its name. Ghadi is made using wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, and it is deep-fried to perfection. After being offered to the deity, this prasad is consumed by the male members of the family and distributed among others.
The most significant offering of this festival is Ghadi (a special type of sweet dish), from which the festival derives its name. Ghadi is made using wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, and it is deep-fried to perfection. After being offered to the deity, this prasad is consumed by the male members of the family and distributed among others. Additionally, other traditional delicacies like flattened rice with curd (chura-dahi), sweets, jaggery, halwa, puris, and seasonal fruits are offered as prasad. In some regions, kheer and malpua are also prepared. The prasad is always offered with Tulsi leaves, which enhances its sanctity and religious significance.
