FESTIVALS

Major religious celebrations include the Hindu festivals Vivaha Panchami, Dipawali, and Vijayadashami,^[13] followed by Chhath Puja, which is celebrated six days after Dipawali and Makar Sankranti. Vijayadashami, Vivah Panchami and Chhath Pooja are celebrated in a carnival-like atmosphere.
On the full moon day of February/March before the festival of Holi, a one-day Parikrama (circumambulation) of the city is celebrated. Many people offer prostrated obeisances along the entire 8 km (5.0 mi) route. Two other festivals honor Rama and Sita: Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, in March-April, draws thousands of pilgrims.^[14] The Vivah Panchami or Vivah festival re-enacts the wedding of Rama and Si
ta at the famous Vivah Mandap temple on the fifth day of the waxing moon in November or early December.