Janakpurdham, Dec 16: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the Bibaha Panchami ceremony stands for friendship between Nepal and India.

According to the Hindu mythology, Princess Sita of Janakapurdham in Nepal, got married to Ram, prince of Ayodhya in India on this day.

Addressing the saints and public in Janaki Temple in Janakpur today after worshipping Ram and Sita there, President Bhandari urged the bodies concerned to give continuity to ceremony due to its historical and cultural significance.

Bhandari said that she was really proud to take part in it, saying the ceremony was a part of our civilization and culture.

She was received by the chief priest of the Temple, Ramtapeshower Das along with other saints and devotees.

Bhandari, who flew to Janakpurdham for the ceremony today morning boarding the Nepal Army's helicopter, returned back to Kathmandu after worshipping in the temple.

The entourage comprised Minister for Land Reforms, Ram Kumar Subbba, Deputy Speaker Ganga Prasad Yadav, Nepali Congress parliamentarian Kiran Yadav and Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chettri, among others.

The cadres of agitating United Democratic Madheshi Front and United Inclusive Madhesh Front had demonstrated by burning tyres in various places in Janakpur following the visit of President Bhandari.

Police also charged battons at Janaki Temple, Shiva Chowk, Janak Chowk and Bhanu Chowks as well as opened teargas cells.

The security was beefed up in the district to curb any untoward incidents. RSS