Vivah Panchami 2026 Date, Tithi and Puja Vidhi: 14 December
Vivah Panchami 2026 is on Monday, 14 December 2026. As per Drik Panchang for Mumbai, the Panchami tithi begins at 4:47 PM on 13 December and ends at 7:15 PM on 14 December. Since Panchami is present at sunrise on the 14th, that is the festival day.
Vivah Panchami celebrates the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Panchami of the Margashirsha month and is celebrated most grandly in Ayodhya, Mithila and Janakpur in Nepal.
Quick facts: Vivah Panchami 2026
Date: Monday, 14 December 2026
Panchami tithi begins: 4:47 PM, 13 December 2026 (Mumbai)
Panchami tithi ends: 7:15 PM, 14 December 2026 (Mumbai)
Hindu month: Margashirsha, Shukla Paksha
Deities: Lord Rama and Goddess Sita
Main places: Janakpur (Nepal), Ayodhya, Mithila
Source: Drik Panchang, Mumbai timings
Which date is Vivah Panchami in 2026, 13 or 14 December?
Some calendars show 13 December because the tithi starts on the evening of the 13th. Festival dates in the Hindu calendar usually follow the tithi that is present at sunrise. On 13 December sunrise falls before Panchami begins, while on 14 December Panchami is running at sunrise. So the festival is on 14 December. Always confirm with your local panchang or priest.
What is Vivah Panchami?
Drik Panchang explains that this day marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shri Rama and Devi Sita. According to scriptures such as Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayana, the wedding took place in Janakpuri, now identified with Janakpur in Nepal.
The story behind Vivah Panchami
King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, held a swayamvara for his daughter Sita. The condition was that whoever could string the bow of Lord Shiva would marry her. Many kings and princes failed. Prince Rama, son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, stepped forward, lifted the heavy Shiva Dhanusha and broke it while stringing it. Sita then married Rama. The Ramayana describes the occasion as a grand celebration joined by sages and people of both kingdoms.
Vivah Panchami puja vidhi at home
This is a simple outline based on the method described by Drik Panchang. Families follow their own customs.
Wake early, bathe and take a sankalpa to observe the vrat.
Place an image or idol of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita on a clean platform.
Offer dhoop, deepa, naivedya, flowers and fruits. Panchamrita is used for abhishek.
Recite or listen to the Sita swayamvara and wedding episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas.
In the evening, many homes and temples hold a symbolic wedding with bhajans, kirtans and mangal geet.
Puja samagri list
Idols or pictures of Rama and Sita
Yellow or red cloth and new clothes for the idols
Flowers and garlands
Dhoop, incense and a ghee lamp
Fruits and sweets for naivedya
Panchamrita made of milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar
Kumkum, turmeric and akshata rice
A copy of Ramcharitmanas or Ramayana for the reading
Should marriages be held on Vivah Panchami?
In many parts of Mithila and Nepal, people avoid holding weddings on this date. The popular reason given is that Sita's married life included hardship, and families do not want to repeat that. This is a local custom, not a rule in every region, and it is not part of Drik Panchang's festival description. Elsewhere in India, some families do hold weddings or engagements on this day. Follow your family and community tradition, and check a muhurat before fixing any wedding date.
How is Vivah Panchami celebrated in Maharashtra and other states?
Drik Panchang says the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur draws a large crowd, with tableaux and processions of the divine wedding. In Ayodhya the festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. In Mumbai, Pune and other Maharashtra cities, Ram temples usually hold bhajan evenings and katha readings. The exact programme depends on the temple, so check with your local mandir.
Do's and don'ts
Do read at least a short passage from the Ramayana or sing Ram bhajans with the family.
Do offer simple, sattvic food as naivedya and share it as prasad.
Do not rush the puja. Keep the focus on devotion and family.
Do not believe exaggerated promises about marriage luck. Drik Panchang says worship brings blessings for harmony in married life, and that is a matter of faith.
Next day: Champa Shashthi
Champa Shashthi falls on Tuesday, 15 December 2026 per Drik Panchang. It is the last day of Khandoba Navratri, important in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Final note
Timings above are from Drik Panchang for Mumbai. Check your local panchang or family priest for your city and tradition.
See also on IndiaAsk: Tulsi Vivah 2026 Date, Puja Time and Samagri: 21 Nov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Vivah Panchami in 2026?
Vivah Panchami 2026 is on Monday, 14 December. As per Drik Panchang for Mumbai, the Panchami tithi begins at 4:47 PM on 13 December and ends at 7:15 PM on 14 December. The festival follows the tithi present at sunrise, which is the 14th.
Why is Vivah Panchami celebrated?
It celebrates the wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in Janakpur. After Rama broke the Shiva bow at King Janaka's swayamvara, Sita married him. Devotees remember the divine marriage by worshipping the couple, reading the Ramayana and seeking blessings for harmony in married life.
Do people marry on Vivah Panchami?
It depends on the region. In Mithila and Nepal, many families avoid weddings on this day, because of the hardships in Sita's later life. In other parts of India some families do hold weddings. It is a local custom, so follow your own family tradition and priest.
What is the puja vidhi for Vivah Panchami?
Bathe early, take a sankalpa, and worship idols of Rama and Sita with dhoop, lamp, flowers, naivedya and panchamrita abhishek. Read the wedding episodes from the Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas. In the evening, bhajans and a symbolic wedding celebration are held in many homes and temples.
Which day comes after Vivah Panchami in 2026?
Champa Shashthi follows on Tuesday, 15 December 2026, as per Drik Panchang. It marks the last day of Khandoba Navratri, which is observed in Maharashtra and Karnataka, so many Maharashtrian families move from Vivah Panchami celebrations directly into Khandoba worship.
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