May Sita Jayanti inspire all to end social, cultural discrimination: Prez Bhandari

KATHMANDU, May 20: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has wished happiness, peace and prosperity among all Nepalis living in the country and abroad on the occasion of the Sita Jayanti. 

In a message today, President Bhandari extended best wishes, saying this occasion would provide continuous inspiration among all for building progressive, civilized and cultured society ending all types of social and cultural discrimination. 

Stating that it was the matter of pride for all of us to get Sita as the daughter of Nepal, worshipped as Janaknandani and Jagatjanani, the President opined that the birth of Sita, national icon, is taken as the pillar of religious belief. 

Sita Jayanti being observed today 
Meanwhile, The Sita Utpati Diwas, also known as Sita Jayanti, is being observed today. The occasion falls on Baisakh Shukla Nawami (the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Baisakh as per the lunar calendar) every year. This religious festival commemorates the day when Sita came into being.

As per the religious scriptures related to the Vedic philosophy, including the Ramayana and the Puranas, Sita came into being when King Janak of the ancient Mithila kingdom was ploughing the field as part of a religious ritual during the Treta Yuga. So, she is considered the daughter of King Janak. 

Sita is considered as an incarnation of goddess Laxmi. She was married off to Ram, who is believed to be the 10th incarnation of lord Vishnu. 

Sita is taken as an epitome of an ideal woman, piety and dutifulness. She is one of the National Heroes. 

The Sita Jayanti is observed by Hindus across the country, especially in the Mithila region (the present day Janakpur region), paying homage and making special offerings to goddess Sita.