Maithili Society Singapore Celebrates Janaki Navami

The Maithili Society Singapore marked a significant milestone with the successful organisation of the Janaki Navami Mahotsav 2026 on April 25 at the Arya Samaj Bhawan in Little India, bringing together devotion, culture, and community spirit in a vibrant celebration.

Observed on the auspicious Navami tithi (the ninth day of the lunar fortnight - Paksha - in the Hindu calendar) of the Vaishakh month (the second month in the Hindu lunar calendar), Janaki Navami commemorates the birth of Goddess Sita, revered as the embodiment of strength, grace, and resilience.

While Ram Navami is widely celebrated, the organisers, led by the Maithili Society’s creative director Aradhana Jha Shrivastava, emphasised that this festival seeks to restore due recognition to Goddess Sita’s spiritual and cultural significance.

The event held added importance as it was the first major programme after the formal registration of the Maithili Society (Singapore) in April 2026.

Previously functioning as an informal community group, the organisation has evolved into a structured platform dedicated to preserving the Maithili language, Mithilakshar script, and the broader cultural heritage of the Mithila region.

Founder Anjani Kumar Chaudhary described the Mahotsav as a reflection of the community’s collective effort to sustain its roots in a global city. The newly introduced managing committee, led by president Sumit Kumar Sonu, secretary Manisha Mishra and treasurer Rajeev Mishra, was formally presented at the event.

The celebration was attended by the Indian High Commission’s Second Secretary Arvind Srivastava, who was the chief guest. He commended the diaspora’s role in preserving cultural traditions abroad.

Mr Om Prakash Rai, founder of DAV Hindi School Singapore and Arya Samaj Singapore, attended as the guest of honour and noted that it was his first experience of witnessing a Janaki Navami celebration, praising the younger generation’s engagement with their heritage.

The programme began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by devotional invocations. A rich cultural lineup featured music, dance and literary performances inspired by the life and values of Goddess Sita.

Young performers played a central role, reflecting the community’s focus on passing traditions to the next generation.

Highlights included Maithili devotional songs, classical dance presentations blending bharatanatyam and kathak, instrumental recitals, and poetry readings. A particularly moving segment saw members share personal tributes to their departed loved ones, reinforcing the event’s deeply personal and intergenerational character.

Participants from other Indian cultural organisations in Singapore also attended, underlining the inclusive spirit of the celebration. Representatives from community groups such as Bijhar Singapore and the Bhojpuri Association Singapore were present.

The event concluded with a collective aarti to Goddess Sita, followed by a community gathering featuring traditional Mithila cuisine, encouraging interaction, and cultural exchange.