3 Ancient Traditions that Symbolizes Janakpur

Janakpurdham is also known as the heartland of the Mithila civilization is the famous pilgrimage of Nepal with its golden name carved in the major Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed that goddess Sita was born and later wedded 'Ram' in this holy land of Mithila. Encircled by the diverse ethnic groups of people living in this land from the antediluvian period even today shares the same culture and values that offer a glimpse of Mithila civilization. 

Located about 225km south-east of the capital Kathmandu the city draws millions of visitors every year from Nepal, India, and the rest of the world. Janakpurdham is a perfect place to witness the stunning architecture and other artworks that trace back to the 7th century that has been passed through generation to generation.

In the cultural text of Nepal, the city today stands strong as the center of preserving and promoting the ancient art that reveals the hopes and dreams along with the modification in the tradition of the people living here. However, the vast culture and tradition of Mithila can be summarized by the three authenticities of Janakpuradham.

Paan– Paan or betel is a famous edible offering in the Maithili culture that symbolizes auspiciousness and respect. Every auspicious event in the land of Mithila is celebrated with Paan that includes even welcoming guests in the home. Over the years the tradition of offering Paan has grown widely in the corners of Nepal due to its taste and numerous available flavors. In many homes, Paan is treated as a dessert as the ingredients help ease the digestion process in the body. Similarly, it is also widely believed that eating paan helps sweeten the voice of singers and therefore since early times it has been used by singers before performing. 

Makhana– The popularity of Makhanaor the fox nut is another famous item that represents this place. Even the social and cultural part of the Janakpur region is closely connected with Makkhan. From an individual's health perspective it’s a snack food with a good source of protein, carbohydrate, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc fibers. Hence, the demand for Makhana has widely increased in regions of India and Nepal. Mainly makhana farming is carried near the ponds as the plant itself requires a good source of water.

Manchh– Manchh or the fish has a cultural and religious significance in the region of Janakpuradham, and therefore it is even frequently seen in the artworks like Mithila paintings. The tradition of embracing fish in the cuisine and other artworks is visible even in the 13th century-old Maithili scriptures were poems and recipes of cooking various fish that are generally found in this region well persevere. Due to its delicious taste Janakpur, today exports fish to many parts of Nepal including few regions of India.

Besides these famous Maithili cuisines there are dozens more that carry the unique taste that Janakpurdham embraces since the ancient Vedic period. If you are planning to tour this ancient city where Rama and Sita were united then the city promises the awe that it endures since early Ramayana. 

If you're planning to visit Janakpur then the closet highway to this ancient city from Kathmandu are Mahendra High Way and BP Koirala Highway, however, if plan to go by air then Buddha Air offers a discounted price on flights to Janakpur.