Sita Navami (Janaki Navami)

The Story

Sita Navami marks the birth of Sita (Janaki) — she was found by King Janaka while ploughing the earth, hence called 'Ayanija' (earth-born) or 'Bhumija'. The earth herself is Sita's mother. Sita is revered as the ideal of wifely devotion, courage, and purity — she followed Rama into forest exile and endured captivity in Lanka. Her story in the Ramayana is the archetype of feminine strength and virtue. On this day women fast and pray for marital bliss in the image of Sita.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Observe a fast — break it only in the evening after Sita-Rama puja
• Worship Sita-Rama together with flowers, tulsi, and sweets
• Read or listen to Sundarkanda of Ramayana — Sita's presence pervades it
• At Janakpur: attend the main temple celebrations at Janaki Mandir
• Recite Sita's stotras and nama-japa
• Light lamps in the evening

Key Mantras

• ॐ जानक्यै नमः
• ॐ सीतायै नमः
• जय सिया राम

Bhog · Festival Foods

Panchamrit · Fruits · Satvik sweets

Regional Variants

• · Janakpur (Nepal): the grandest Sita Navami celebration — thousands gather at Janaki Mandir
• · Buxar (Bihar): also claims connection to Sita's story
• · Sitamarhi (Bihar): believed to be the site of Sita's discovery by Janaka

Frequently Asked

When is Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) in 2026?

Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) is listed for April 25, 2026 (Saturday) — Vaisakha Shukla Navami. in India, Nepal. Always confirm local panchang or official holiday notices for regional date variations.

Is Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) a public holiday?

Public holiday status for Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) in India, Nepal can vary by country, state, institution, and local calendar. Check official holiday notices for your location.

Why is Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) celebrated?

Sita Navami marks the birth of Sita (Janaki) — she was found by King Janaka while ploughing the earth, hence called 'Ayanija' (earth-born) or 'Bhumija'. The earth herself is Sita's mother.

How is Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) celebrated at home?

Observe a fast — break it only in the evening after Sita-Rama puja Worship Sita-Rama together with flowers, tulsi, and sweets Read or listen to Sundarkanda of Ramayana — Sita's presence pervades it At Janakpur: attend the main…

What food or prasad is prepared for Sita Navami (Janaki Navami)?

Common foods and offerings include Panchamrit, Fruits, Satvik sweets.

What are the regional names of Sita Navami (Janaki Navami)?

Sita Navami (Janaki Navami) is also associated with names or regional forms such as सीता नवमी / जानकी नवमी, Janakpur (Nepal): the grandest Sita Navami celebration — thousands gather at Janaki Mandir, Buxar (Bihar): also claims connection to Sita's story, Sitamarhi (Bihar): believed to be the site of Sita's discovery by Janaka.

Dates · Next 5 Years