Kathmandu, Jan 7: A gesture of cultural solidarity and tradition unfolded as over 500 beautifully crafted gift baskets journeyed from Nepal’s Janakpur city, believed to be the birthplace of Sita, to Ayodhya in anticipation of the Ram Mandir’s inauguration on January 22.
Ram Roshan Das, the Mahantha of Janaki Temple in Janakpur, presented these exquisitely adorned souvenirs to Champat Ray, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Trust.
Sita, according to the Ramayana, married Lord Ram in Ayodhya, and her birthplace, Janakpur, holds a significant connection to the upcoming festivities. The gift baskets contained a rich assortment of gold and silver articles, various sweet dishes, clothes, fruits, cosmetics, furniture, and more.
These thoughtfully curated gifts were packed in bamboo-crafted buckets adorned with vibrant fabrics. “Sita is our daughter, and since Janakpur is her parental home, it is our duty to send her all necessary stuff required for a new home,” stated Janakpur Mayor Manoj Shah.
Champat Ray, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Trust, expressed joy upon receiving these souvenirs from Sita’s birthplace. Two specially decorated trucks, carrying the gifts, embarked on their journey to Ayodhya from Janakpur on Thursday.
This cultural exchange reinforces the tradition of not visiting one’s daughter’s home empty-handed. Previously, two significant Shaligrams, considered a form of Vishnu, were sent from Nepal to Ayodhya as part of this traditional offering. Mahantha Ram Roshan Das explained, “As per the tradition, we do not visit our daughter’s home empty-handed. We went to Ayodhya with five hundred different decorated gifts, which will fulfill the requirements of a new home.”
The gifts, including a silver bow, an ancient sandal made of silver, a necklace, ring, anklets, Mangal Sutra, silver plate, glass, spoon, and various sweet dishes, represent the heartfelt sentiments of Janakpur’s residents.
