Janakpur to Ayodhya weekly train approved in principle

A weekly train between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya has received approval in principle, according to IANS on 11 November 2026 and India Blooms on 14 November 2026. Indian Railways will operate the service, beginning with one round trip a week. A trial run has been conducted, the reports say.

India Blooms puts the route at about 604 km. Officials have said the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India may flag off the train later this month, possibly virtually. That launch is unconfirmed. The exact route within India, stations, launch date, timetable and fares have not been officially announced. Earlier proposed schedules remain provisional, so pilgrims should wait for official details before arranging travel around this service.

Vivah Panchami falls on 14 December 2026. The day commemorates the wedding of Shri Ram and Mata Sita, giving pilgrims a reason to wish to visit Janakpur, Mata Sita's home in Mithila, and Ayodhya, Shri Ram's city.

Remembering the wedding procession

After the wedding, the procession travels from Mithila towards Ayodhya. Goswami Tulsidas describes the happiness it brings to the villages along the way:

चली बरात निसान बजाई। मुदित छोट बड़ सब समुदाई॥ रामहि निरखि ग्राम नर नारी। पाइ नयन फलु होहिं सुखारी॥४॥

Ramcharitmanas, Bal Kand, Doha 343, Chaupai 4

With drums beating, the wedding procession set out. Everyone, young and old, was glad. The men and women of the villages along the way were happy to see Shri Ram, receiving the reward of their eyes.

The word नयन, meaning eyes, draws our attention to the villagers' blessing. They see Shri Ram and rejoice. As we read this passage in Bal Kand, we too can turn our attention towards Him, even while travel plans remain undecided.

Today, read the chaupai slowly and spend one minute remembering Shri Ram and Mata Sita.