What Mithila art, dance and music can visitors see in Janakpur?

The short answer

Mithila painting is the region's signature art. Village women decorate mud walls with natural colours such as lime, ochre and soot, and the same style now appears on paper and cloth sold to visitors. A painting centre near Janakpur works with village artists, and shops in the city sell original work.

The folk traditions are seasonal and tied to festivals. Examples include Jhijhiya, a women's dance with lamp-lit pots, Sama Chakeba, a story-play of brothers and sisters after Chhath, and devotional song groups called sankirtan. The Ram Leela, a long staged retelling of the Ramayana, is a highlight in festival seasons. You will rarely see a fixed show, so ask your hotel or guide about what is on.