Vivah Panchami 2026 falls on Monday, 14 December, marking the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita. Ayodhya has its own airport, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, and Janakpur in Nepal has Janakpur Airport with domestic flights to Kathmandu. Indians flying to Nepal need a valid passport or an original voter ID with photograph.
Updated November 2026 · HappyFares
Vivah Panchami is celebrated in both Ayodhya and Janakpur, the two places most closely tied to the story of Ram and Sita. Pilgrims often plan to visit one or both, so here is how the travel side works.
When is Vivah Panchami in 2026?
Vivah Panchami is observed on Margashirsha Shukla Panchami. In 2026 that is Monday, 14 December. Drik Panchang lists the Panchami tithi as beginning at 4:47 PM on 13 December and ending at 7:15 PM on 14 December for New Delhi, and a second panchang listing also places the festival on Monday 14 December. Tithi timings differ slightly by city, so check a local panchang for puja timings.
How do you reach Ayodhya by air?
Ayodhya is served by Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ). IndiGo and Air India Express are among the airlines that have operated flights there, and other carriers have also served it over time, with Delhi and Mumbai among the cities linked. The list of routes changes, so check the airline’s own site for December.
The days around a major festival tend to be in demand, so look at flights for the weekend before and the days around 14 December, and compare more than one date.
What is the nearest airport for Janakpur?
Janakpur has its own airport, Janakpur Airport (JKR) in Nepal. Reports list Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines flying between Janakpur and Kathmandu. There is no direct flight from India to Janakpur that we could confirm, so an Indian traveller who flies would usually go via Kathmandu.
On the Indian side, Darbhanga Airport (DBR) in Bihar is an airport on the Bihar side of the border, and Patna is farther south. Darbhanga has begun passenger flights, but we could not confirm which airlines operate there today, so check current schedules. From Darbhanga or Patna you would continue by road to the border and into Janakpur.
What ID do Indians need for Nepal?
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu lists the documents valid for Indian nationals travelling by air between India and Nepal: a valid Indian passport, or an original voter ID card with a photograph issued by the Election Commission of India. It states that a downloaded or printed voter ID is not accepted, and that Aadhaar, PAN card and driving licence are not accepted for this travel.
No visa is needed for Indian citizens visiting Nepal. Rules for land crossings may differ, so check the embassy page before you travel.
Why pilgrims visit both towns
According to tradition, Ram was born in Ayodhya and Sita is associated with Janakpur, so Vivah Panchami, the day marking their wedding, connects the two places. In Janakpur the festival is celebrated with processions and a re-enactment of the wedding. In Ayodhya, temples hold special prayers and bhajan programmes.
If you only have time for one, choose based on your own faith and family plans. Ayodhya is simpler for most Indian travellers because it has its own airport and needs no cross-border travel. Janakpur needs more planning because of the border and the ID rules above.
Whichever you choose, remember that temple timings and crowd arrangements on a festival day can change. Check the official announcements of the temple trust or local administration close to the date.
Pilgrims who travel with elders may prefer a shorter, more comfortable route even if it costs a little more, since long road transfers in winter can be tiring. Look at the whole journey, including the road legs before and after your flight, when you compare options.
How should you plan the trip?
- Book early. Festival dates draw large crowds to both towns.
- Allow buffer days. Fog in the Gangetic plains in December can disrupt flights and roads, so avoid very tight connections.
- Decide your order. Many pilgrims visit Ayodhya first, then continue to Janakpur by road, or reverse it.
- Request assistance from the airline. Elderly travellers who need wheelchair help should ask the airline directly.
Did you know? Ayodhya is traditionally linked with Ram’s birthplace, while Janakpur is traditionally linked with Sita, which is why a baraat procession from Ayodhya is a part of the festival at Janakpur.
Common Questions
What date is Vivah Panchami in 2026?
Monday, 14 December 2026.
Which airport is closest to Ayodhya?
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) in Ayodhya itself.
Can I fly from India directly to Janakpur?
We could not confirm a direct flight. Janakpur’s airport has domestic service to Kathmandu, so most flying travellers connect through the Nepali capital.
Do I need a passport for Nepal?
Not necessarily. For air travel, the Embassy of India lists a valid passport or an original voter ID with photograph. Check the embassy page for the latest list.
Is Aadhaar accepted for flying to Nepal?
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu says it is not accepted for travel to Nepal.
Which Indian airlines serve Ayodhya?
IndiGo and Air India Express are among those that have flown there. Other airlines have also operated routes, so check current schedules.
Planning a pilgrimage for December? Search flights on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, and ask Meera, our AI assistant, to compare options. Zero convenience fee on domestic bookings.
Schedules, ID rules and fees change; please verify current specifics with the airline, the Embassy of India in Nepal or the airport before you travel.
