Mahendranagar (Dhanusha) .The 15-day historical Mithila Madhyamiki Parikrama (circumambulation) that had commenced from Kouchari in Dhanusha is underway. It has been attended by thousands of devotees from Nepal and India. During the long march by foot covering 133 kilometers, devotees stop at 15 different places with religious significance (11 in Nepal and four in India). The festival has been observed since the 18th century, according to the people with knowledge of it. The pilgrimage march ends on Fagu Purnima that falls on coming Friday (March 14) in the Terai this year. The devotees believe they are blessed with the 'presence' of Lord Ramchandra and Goddess Sita whom they call as Sita Mata (mother) throughout the journey. "Their faith is that the deities travel with them during the festival," said culture expert Dhruba Raya of Jaleshwar municipality-5.

It is traditionally believed that participating in this circumambulatory religious march will help do away with the sins and injustices caused by mind, words and deeds, and also fulfill one's wishes along with enlightenment, said a local Hindu priest Upendra Pathak. The festival known as the 'Mahakumbha of Mithila' is said to be symbol of religious, cultural and mutual goodwill between Nepal and India. It commences on the auspicious hour of the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Fagun (Fagun Shukla Pratipada) in the lunar calendar. Janakpurdham, the birthplace of Sita, is located in the historical Mithila kingdom, while King Janak of Mithila started this 'parikrama yatra' on the basis of Kalyaneshwar, Jaleshwor, Kshireshwar and Sapteshwar Shivalayas or lord Shiva temples built in all four corners of Janakpur, the capital of ancient Mithila.