Janakpur

{{short description|Capital of Nepal's Madhesh Province}} {{Other uses}} {{EngvarB|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}{{Infobox settlement <!--See the Table at Infobox settlement nepal culture

for all fields and descriptions of usage--> | official_name = '''Janakpurdham''' | native_name = '''जनकपुरधाम''' | native_name_lang = | other_name = | settlement_type = Sub-Metropolitan City | image_skyline = {{Photomontage | position = center | photo1a = Janki Mandir.JPG | photo2a = | photo3a = Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7324.jpg | photo3b = Ganga Sagar, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7686.jpg | photo4a = Nepal Railway, Janakpur 20200918 03.jpg | size = 290 | spacing = 2 | color = #FFFFFF | border = 0 | foot_montage = Clockwise from top<br>Janaki Mandir, Ganga Sagar, Train in Janakpur and Sita Ram Vivah Mandap }} | image_caption = | motto = City of religious and cultural significance | image_map = | mapsize = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = Nepal Madhesh Province#Nepal | pushpin_label_position = bottom | pushpin_mapsize = 300 | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Madhesh Province | coordinates = {{coord|26|43|43|N|85|55|30|E|type:city_region:NP|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|Nepal}} | subdivision_type1 = Province | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_type4 = | subdivision_type3 = | subdivision_name3 = | subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Banner of Madhesh Province.png}} Madhesh | subdivision_name2 = Dhanusha | subdivision_name4 =  | established_title = Settled | established_date = Vedic Period | government_footnotes = | government_type = Mayor–council government | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Manoj Kumar Sah (NC) | leader_title1 = Deputy Mayor | leader_name1 = Kishori Sah (NC) | image_seal = | unit_pref =  | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 91.97 | area_total_sq_mi =  | elevation_footnotes =  | elevation_m = 74 | population_total = 195,438<ref name="janakpurmun.gov.np">{{Cite web|url=http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902182547/http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-date=2 September 2017|title=Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City | "Religious, Cultural, Touristry Place Janakpurdham"}}</ref> | population_as_of = 2021 | population_footnotes = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_rank = 11th | population_blank1_title = | population_blank2_title = | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Official | demographics1_info1 = Nepali | demographics1_title2 = Local | demographics1_info2 = Maithili | population_note = | postal_code_type = Postal code | postal_code = 45600 | area_code = 041 | website = {{URL|https://janakpurmun.gov.np/}} | footnotes = | image_size = 400px | timezone = NST | utc_offset = +5:45 | timezone_DST = | utc_offset_DST = | blank_name = | blank_info = | name = '''Janakpur ''' | population_demonym = Maithil | image_blank_emblem = | nickname = ''' The City of Ponds''' | established_title1 = as Municipality | established_date1 = 1962 | established_title2 = {{Increase}} to Sub-Metro | established_date2 = 2017 | established_title3 = Previously part of | established_date3 = Mithila | named_for = King Janaka | population_density_sq_mi = 2125 | population_density_rank = 4th }}

'''Janakpur''' or '''Janakpurdham''' ({{langx|mai|जनकपुर}}), is the capital city of Madhesh Province in Nepal. This sub-metropolitan city is a central hub for the Maithili language, as well as for religious and cultural tourism in Nepal.

The city was founded in the early 18th century but was retrospectively designated as the location of the capital of the Videha kingdom and the birthplace of Hindu deity Sita, although there is no archaeological evidence to support this.<ref name=Burghart1978>{{cite journal |last1=Burghart |first1=Richard |title=The Disappearance and Reappearance of Janakpur |journal=Kailash: A Journal of Himalayan Studies |date=1978 |pages=257–284 |url= https://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/kailash/pdf/kailash_06_04_03.pdf}}</ref>

Janakpur is located about {{convert|225|km|abbr=on|}} southeast of Kathmandu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.distancefromto.net/between/Kathmandu/Janakpur|title=Distance from Kathmandu to Janakpur|website=www.distancefromto.net|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325093131/http://www.distancefromto.net/between/kathmandu/janakpur|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021|}}, the city had a population of 195,438, with a density of 2,125/km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="janakpurmun.gov.np">{{Cite web|url=http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902182547/http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-date=2 September 2017|title=Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City | "Religious, Cultural, Touristry Place Janakpurdham"}}</ref><ref name="JICC">{{cite web|url=http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731124937/http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2013 }}</ref> Janakpur is currently the fourth most densely populated city in Nepal. Janakpur is located about 23 km from the Bhitthamore border with India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICP Bhithamore {{!}} Land Ports Authority of India |url=https://lpai.gov.in/en/icp-bhithamore |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=lpai.gov.in}}</ref> Nepal Railways operates a service between Janakpur and Jainagar in India.

==Etymology== Janakpurdham, popularly known as Janakpur is named after the ancient King of the Videha kingdom in the Mithila region - ''Janaka''. The rulers of the Videha kingdom were accorded the title Janaka, meaning 'father' in Sanskrit, and this character is the best-known bearer of the same.

== History == {{See also|Mithila Kingdom|History of Mithila Region}} thumb|left|Ratna Sagar, Janakpur Accounts from ascetics, pandits, and bards suggest that Janakpur was founded in the early 18th century. The earliest description of Janakpur as a pilgrimage site dates back to 1805. Earlier archaeological evidence of an ancient city's presence has not been found, and there is a lack of evidence to associate the modern-day city of Janakpur with the ancient capital of the Videha kingdom.<ref name=Burghart1978/>

Until the 1950s, Janakpur was a cluster of rural hamlets inhabited by farmers, artisans, priests, and clerks who worked for the monasteries that controlled the land. After the Independence Act in India, Janakpur expanded into a commercial center and became the capital of Dhanusa District in the 1960s.<ref name="Burghart88">Burghart, R. (1988.) Cultural knowledge of hygiene and sanitation as a basis for health development in Nepal. Contributions to Nepalese Studies 15 (2): 185–211.</ref>

Following the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 between the Nepali rulers and the British East India Company, the northern part of ancient Mithila state, including Janakpur, became part of Nepal, while the southern part became part of India.

== Demographics == {{Historical population | source = Census in Nepal | footnote = Data is based on Census in Nepal . |1991 | 54710 |2001 | 74192 |2011 | 97776 |2021 | 195438 }}

{{As of|2011|June}}, the Janakpur municipality had 19,195 households and a population of 98,446 people with a density of 4,000 people per square kilometer.<ref name="Census2011">{{cite book |author=Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf |title=National Population and Housing Census 2011 |publisher=Government of Nepal |year=2012 |location=Kathmandu |access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726014406/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, it was declared a sub-metropolitan city that incorporates 11 surrounding villages. The current population is 173,924 people, making it the sixth largest city in Nepal.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=March 2014 |title=National Population and Housing Census 2011 - (Village Development Committee/Municipality) - Dhanusha |url=http://cbs.gov.np/image/data/Population/VDC-Municipality%20in%20detail/17%20Dhanusha_VDCLevelReport.pdf |url-status=live |publisher=Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission Secretariat, Central Bureau of Statistics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902115219/http://cbs.gov.np/image/data/Population/VDC-Municipality%20in%20detail/17%20Dhanusha_VDCLevelReport.pdf |archive-date=2 September 2018 |access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref>

Maithili is widely spoken in the area as the first language and is also used as the lingua franca. Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Marwari, and English are well understood. Languages like Bhojpuri and Awadhi are understood but less frequently used.

More than 90 percent of the total population is Hindu, with the rest being Muslims and Buddhists.

== Economy == Janakpur is one of the fastest-developing cities in Nepal and is the largest sub-metropolitan city in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=स्थानिय तह |url=http://103.69.124.141/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831065451/http://103.69.124.141/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |access-date=2018-12-07 |website=103.69.124.141}}</ref> The city has good healthcare facilities, several parks, private schools, colleges, and internet service providers. There are medical, engineering, and management colleges that are affiliated with Tribhuvan University. The economy is mostly based on tourism, agriculture, and local industries.

The paintings on pottery, walls, and courtyards created by Maithili women are known as Mithila art.

Janakpur attracts migrants from the surrounding areas, who move to the city for medical care, education, and jobs. The largest employers were the Janakpur Cigarette Factory Limited and Janakpur Railway until they closed in 2013 due to political corruption and heavy debts. By the end of 2018, services was resumed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Janakpur railway nears completion |url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-10-05/janakpur-railway-nears-completion.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207102910/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-10-05/janakpur-railway-nears-completion.html |archive-date=7 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-07 |website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com |language=en}}</ref> The Zonal Hospital, Zonal Police, and the banking sector help the locals maintain a relatively comfortable lifestyle.

Several banks operate in Janakpur, offering a range of financial services. These include Nepal Bank Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Prabhu Bank, Everest Bank, Machhapuchhre Bank, Sanima Bank, Global IME Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, and Mega Bank Nepal Limited. In addition, the Nepal Rastra Bank has a provincial office in Janakpur to regulate banking activities in the region.

== Geography and climate == Janakpur is located in the Terai, where the climate is humid subtropical. The months of March and April are hot, dry, and windy. The wet season lasts from May to September, followed by a mild, dry autumn from October to November. Winter is cold from December to February.<ref name=Burghart88/>

The major rivers surrounding Janakpur are the Dudhmati, Jalad, Rato, Balan, and Kamala.

{{Weather box|width=auto |metric first=y |single line=y |location = Janakpur (1991–2020) |Jan high C = 21.6 |Feb high C = 26.2 |Mar high C = 31.4 |Apr high C = 34.9 |May high C = 34.8 |Jun high C = 34.1 |Jul high C = 32.8 |Aug high C = 33.0 |Sep high C = 32.7 |Oct high C = 31.9 |Nov high C = 29.5 |Dec high C = 24.6 | year high C = 30.6 |Jan mean C = 15.4 |Feb mean C = 19.0 |Mar mean C = 23.6 |Apr mean C = 27.9 |May mean C = 29.5 |Jun mean C = 30.1 |Jul mean C = 29.7 |Aug mean C = 29.9 |Sep mean C = 29.2 |Oct mean C = 27.1 |Nov mean C = 22.6 |Dec mean C = 17.8 | year mean C = 25.1 |Jan low C = 9.2 |Feb low C = 11.7 |Mar low C = 15.8 |Apr low C = 20.9 |May low C = 24.2 |Jun low C = 26.1 |Jul low C = 26.5 |Aug low C = 26.7 |Sep low C = 25.7 |Oct low C = 22.2 |Nov low C = 15.7 |Dec low C = 11.0 | year low C = 19.6 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 12.1 |Feb precipitation mm = 8.3 |Mar precipitation mm = 13.2 |Apr precipitation mm = 54.6 |May precipitation mm = 123.7 |Jun precipitation mm = 259.4 |Jul precipitation mm = 437.9 |Aug precipitation mm = 319.1 |Sep precipitation mm = 179.6 |Oct precipitation mm = 54.3 |Nov precipitation mm = 1.4 |Dec precipitation mm = 2.8 | year precipitation mm = 1466.4 |source 1 = Department of Hydrology and Meteorology<ref name = DHM>{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231014124305/https://nepalindata.com/media/resources/items/0/bPRECIPITATION_NORMAL_MM_1991-2020.pdf | archive-date = 14 October 2023 | url = https://nepalindata.com/media/resources/items/0/bPRECIPITATION_NORMAL_MM_1991-2020.pdf | title = PRECIPITATION NORMAL (MM) (1991-2020) | publisher= Department of Hydrology and Meteorology | access-date = 14 October 2023}}</ref> }}

== Transport == === Roadways === Frequent bus services operate between Janakpur and other Nepalese cities. Within the city, cycle rickshaws, electric rickshaws, tempos (three-wheeled vehicles), and buses are available. A few bus services operate to the Indian cities of Sitamarhi, Patna, Delhi and Ayodhya as part of the Ramayan Circuit, promoting religious tourism in Nepal and India.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=May 11, 2018|title=Modi, Oli launch Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modi-oli-flag-off-janakpur-ayodhya-bus-service/articleshow/64120958.cms|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805054044/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modi-oli-flag-off-janakpur-ayodhya-bus-service/articleshow/64120958.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Piyush Tripathi|date=Sep 4, 2018|title=Patna buses: Soon, 4 AC buses to ply from Patna to Janakpur {{!}} Patna News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/soon-4-ac-buses-to-ply-from-patna-to-janakpur/articleshow/65662095.cms|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805054044/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/soon-4-ac-buses-to-ply-from-patna-to-janakpur/articleshow/65662095.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> It will be connected to the proposed Ram-Janaki Path highway at Bhitthamore in India near Indo-Nepal border. The proposed highway of Ram-Janaki Path in India will provide direct connectivity to the culturally tied city of Ayodhya from Janakpur.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Power corridor {{!}} House apprised on U.P-Bihar road project|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Mar/21/power-corridor-house-apprised-on-up-bihar-road-project|website=The New Indian Express|date=2025-03-21|access-date=2025-11-30|language=en|first=Express News|last=Service}}</ref>

=== Railways === {{Main|Nepal Railways}}

thumb|Panorama view of Janakpurdham Railway Station, Nepal thumb|right|Janakpur Railway Station Jaynagar–Bardibas railway line, operated by Nepal Railways is the only operational railway in Nepal. It connects Janakpur to Siraha at the Nepal-India border and continues further to the Indian city of Jaynagar, Bihar. There is a customs checkpoint in Siraha for goods.<ref name=":0"/>

=== Airways === {{Main|Janakpur Airport}}

thumb|right|Janakpur Airport Terminal Janakpur has a domestic airport {{airport codes|JKR|VNJP}} with most flights connecting to Kathmandu, There are plans of expanding it as a regional airport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/43653/|title=India permits new air entry routes over Biratnagar, Janakpur|last=Magar|first=Arpana Ale|website=My Republica|language=en|access-date=2018-12-07|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207103025/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/43653/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{airport-dest-list |Buddha Air | Kathmandu<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhaair.com/flightschedule.html |title=Flight schedule |publisher=Buddha Air |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918163110/http://buddhaair.com/flightschedule.html |archive-date=18 September 2010 }}</ref> |Yeti Airlines | Kathmandu<ref>{{ cite web|url=http://yetiairlines.com/yeti/page-scheduled-flights |title=Scheduled flights |publisher=Yeti Airlines |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610065425/http://yetiairlines.com/yeti/page-scheduled-flights |archive-date=10 June 2010 }}</ref> |Shree Airlines | Kathmandu<ref>{{ cite web|url=https://www.shreeairlines.com/experience-everest.html |title=Flight schedule |publisher=Shree Airlines |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610065425/https://www.shreeairlines.com/experience-everest.html |archive-date=10 June 2010 }}</ref> }}

== Culture == === Religious sites === The Janaki Mandir is in the centre of Janakpur, northwest of the market. It is one of the biggest temples in Nepal and was built in 1898 (1955 in the Nepali calendar) by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh. It is also called ''Nau Lakha Mandir,'' named after the construction cost, said to be nine lakh gold coins.<ref name="HT">Mishra, K. C. (1996). Pilgrimage centres and tradition in Nepal. In: D. P. Dubey (ed) Rays and Ways of Indian Culture. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.</ref> The temple is architecturally unique in Nepal: its inner sanctum contains a flower-covered statue of Sita which was found in the Sarayu River near Ayodhya. Statues of Rama and his brothers Lakshman, Bharat, and Satrughna stand beside Sita.

Adjacent to the Janaki Mandir is the Rama Sita Vivaha Mandir, a building that commemorates the marriage of Rama and Sita.

Often considered one of the oldest temples in Janakpur is Sri Ram Temple, is said to have been built by the Gorkhali General Amar Singh Thapa.<ref name="HT" />(citation does not exist, false claim) Pilgrims also visit over 200 sacred ponds in the city for ritual baths. The two most important ponds, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, are located close to the city center.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134"> Srisita ram laxman hanuman manor.JPG|Deities of Sri Sita Devi (far right) and Sri Rama (centre) (with Sri Lakshmana (far left) and Sri Hanuman (below seated)) Mani mandap.jpg|Pond in front of Mani mandap, Rani Bazar. The place where the marriage of Ram and Sita actually happened. Ram Janaki Biwaha mandap.JPG|Ram Janaki Biwaha Mandap Hanuman Temple-Kadam chowk-Janakpurdham-IMG 6839.jpg|Hanuman Mandir, Kadam Chowk Janaki Temple Janakpur-Holi 060315 MG 39110337.jpg|Janaki Mandir Ram Mandir, Janakpur, Nepal.jpg|Ram Mandir, Janakpur, Mithila </gallery>

====Other religious sites==== * Vivah Mandap temple is situated next to the Janaki Mandir * Ram Tower is also next to Janaki Mandir. It was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, located to the south of Ram Temple. * Kapileshwar Temple

=== Festivals === Major religious celebrations include the Hindu festivals of Vivaha Panchami, Dipawali, and Vijayadashami,<ref name="HT"/> followed by Chhath Puja, which is celebrated six days after Diwali, and Makar Sankranti.

On the night of the full moon in February or March, before the festival of Holi, a one-day Parikrama (circumambulation) of the city is observed. Many people offer prostrated obeisances along the entire {{convert|8|km|abbr=on}} route. Two other festivals honor Rama and Sita: Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nepalvista.com/travel/janakpur.html |title=Janakpur | Travel | NepalVista.com |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=6 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906042403/http://www.nepalvista.com/travel/janakpur.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Vivaha Panchami that re-enacts the wedding of Rama and Sita at the Vivah Mandap temple on the fifth day of the waxing moon in November or early December.

== Education == {{See also|Rajarshi Janak University}} Janakpur has educational facilities where several of the country's elites went to school, including the first president of the Federal Republic of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, and former DPM (Deputy Prime Minister), Bimalendra Nidhi. There are many private and government schools and colleges located in Janakpur. One of the oldest government colleges of Nepal, Ramsworup Ramsagar Bahumukhi Campus, which is a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University, is located in Janakpur. Janakpur also has Rajarshi Janak University for higher studies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajarshi Janak University |url=https://edusanjal.com/university/rajarshi-janak-university/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=Edusanjal |language=en}}</ref>

Janakpur also has a medical college, Janaki Medical College, which is also affiliated with Tribhuvan University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jmcnepal.com|title=Janaki Medical College|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318132940/http://jmcnepal.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, for engineering studies, the city has Central Engineering College, affiliated to Purbanchal University.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Central Engineering College, Janakpur Nepal {{!}} Colleges Nepal |url=https://www.collegesnepal.com/central-engineering-college/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=www.collegesnepal.com}}</ref> Janakpur also have one autonomous institute named Madesh Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collegenp |title=Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) {{!}} Collegenp |url=https://www.collegenp.com/institute/madhesh-institute-of-health-sciences-mihs/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=www.collegenp.com |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences |url=https://edusanjal.com/university/madhesh-institute-health-sciences/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=Edusanjal |language=en}}</ref>

Janakpur is the educational hub for high school. There are hundreds of high school like Shree Saraswati Ma Vï, Sankat Mochan School, MIT School, New English School and many more.

And many colleges like Model Multiple College, MIT, Dhanusha Science Campus, Rajshree Janak Campus are also there for higher studies in different streams.

=== Libraries === Gangasagar Public Library was established in 1955 and is situated between two historical ponds of Janakpur—Dhanuschatra Pond and Ganga Sagar. The library was reopened to the public in 2012. In recent times, a team of active and committed local youth workers has contributed to the revival of this library by organizing public book collections for the library. It is open daily for three hours, mainly for newspaper-reading, but has few daily visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/events/1028819783848610/ |title=Book Collection and Donation Program |last=Mishra |first=P. |website=Facebook |access-date=27 March 2016 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823152329/https://www.facebook.com/events/1028819783848610/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ramswaroop Ramsagar Multiple Campus library is also accessible to the general public.

==Media== The local media of Janakpur primarily consists of several community radio stations, some TV channels, and a few print newspaper.

== Sister cities == *{{flagicon|IND}} Ayodhya, India ** Ayodhya and Janakpur became sister cities in November 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Narendra-Modi-signs-10-agreements-with-Nepal-inaugurates-bus-service/articleshow/45278008.cms |title=PM Narendra Modi signs 10 agreements with Nepal, inaugurates bus service |work=The Times of India |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=23 February 2021}}</ref> Ayodhya is the birthplace of Rama and Janakpur is the birthplace of his consort, Sita.<ref>{{cite web |title=MoU on Twinning arrangements between Kathmandu-Varanasi, Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodh Gaya as sister cities |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=112053 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823152314/https://pib.gov.in/ErrorPage.html?aspxerrorpath=%2Fnewsite%2FPrintRelease.aspx |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

== Gallery == <gallery> Janaki Mandir, Janakpur 20211009.jpg|Night view of Janaki Temple

Janaki Temple Janakpur-Janakpur030315 MG 36720063.jpg|Inside view of Janaki Temple

Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7332.jpg|Way to Vivah Mandap

Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7327-Pano.jpg|Vivah Manadap

Senior leader Nidhi in Janaki temple.jpg|Former Deputy Prime minister and NC Vice president Bimalendra Nidhi at Janaki Mandir

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Janaki Mandir, in Janakpur, Nepal on May 11, 2018 (3).JPG|Indian PM Modi in Janakpur wearing famous Maithili cap, Paag

Sunset_and_vacant_rails_in_lock-down.jpg|Sunset over railway track near Janakpur

Vedi.jpg|Vedi, mani mandap, Janakpur

Janakpur Station, Nepal Railways-20160923-IMG 7914.jpg|Abandoned Old Train at Janakpur station

Atrts of janakpur.jpg|Mithila art

Arts of janakpur@@.jpg|Picture depicting King Janak ploughing to discover Sita Mata

2009-03 Janakpur 36.jpg|Janakpur in 2000's

Janakpur Visit1.jpg|First president of Republic Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav visiting Janakpur

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Sharma Oli flags off the bus service from Nepal’s Janakpur to Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, at Janakpur, Nepal on May 11, 2018.JPG|Janakpur-Ayodhya bus

2009-03 Janakpur 24.jpg|Old picture of Janaki High School

JanakpurMuraliChowk.jpg|Murali Chowk in 2000's

Janakpur Airport Tower New.jpg|Construction of New Airport buildings </gallery>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Portal|Nepal}} {{Wikivoyage|Janakpur}} {{Commons category|position=left|Janakpur}}{{Geographic location|Centre=Dhanusa|North=Sindhuli (Bagmati Province)|Northeast=|East=Siraha (Province No. 2)|Southeast=|South={{flagicon|India}} Bihar|Southwest=|West=Mahottari|Northwest=}}{{Dhanusa District}}{{Metropolitan Municipalities of Nepal}}{{Authority control}} {{Provincial capitals of Nepal}}

Category:Populated places in Dhanusha District Category:Populated places in Mithila, Nepal Category:Dhanusha District Category:Places in the Ramayana Category:Nepal municipalities established in 1962 Category:Submetropolitan municipalities of Nepal Category:Nepalese capital cities Category:Janakpur