Honouring Maa Sita. Celebrating Sanatan Heritage. Inspiring Generations.
The timeless story of Maa Sita continues to inspire millions with its profound message of courage, devotion, dignity, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering commitment to Dharma. Her life is not merely an essential part of the Ramayana; it is a lasting source of inspiration for humanity, particularly for women and younger generations seeking strength, character, and purpose.
To celebrate these eternal values and bring the legacy of Maa Sita closer to people around the world, Sita Utsav 2026 (Sitotsav) is being organised from 17 to 19 December 2026 at Ashok Vatika, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka—a location traditionally associated with Maa Sita’s time in Lanka in the Ramayana.
Envisioned as a grand spiritual, cultural, and heritage celebration, Sita Utsav aims to unite devotees, cultural organisations, spiritual leaders, artists, young people, and well-wishers in a shared tribute to Maa Sita.
The Vision Behind Sita Utsav 2026
Sita Utsav is being organiZed under the leadership of Captain Praveen Kumar, Founder-President of Sanatani Ganga Foundation (SGF).
The festival seeks to go beyond a conventional religious gathering by creating a meaningful platform for spiritual reflection, cultural expression, heritage awareness, women’s empowerment, and international community engagement.
Through devotional activities, artistic performances, public participation, and commemorative ceremonies, the festival will seek to share Maa Sita’s timeless ideals with a new generation while strengthening cultural connections between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Why Ashok Vatika, Sri Lanka?
Ashok Vatika holds a special place in the popular retelling of the Ramayana as the place where Maa Sita was held captive by Ravana. For devotees, the location carries deep spiritual and emotional significance, connecting the epic’s narrative with the sacred geography of Sri Lanka.
Sita Utsav 2026 seeks to bring attention to this Ramayana-associated heritage through a collective celebration of faith, remembrance, cultural understanding, and devotion.
The event also offers an opportunity to highlight Sri Lanka’s Ramayana-related heritage and encourage meaningful cultural exchange between communities that share longstanding historical and spiritual connections.
Major Attractions of Sita Utsav 2026
The festival is planned around a series of devotional, cultural, and community-centred activities designed to celebrate Maa Sita’s legacy in distinctive ways.
1. Spiritual Run for Maa Sita
The Spiritual Run for Maa Sita will invite participants to combine physical fitness with devotion and a sense of collective purpose. The initiative aims to inspire discipline, perseverance, unity, and awareness of Maa Sita’s ideals.
It will offer young people, families, and fitness enthusiasts an opportunity to express their participation in a meaningful spiritual initiative.
2. Cultural Dance for Maa Sita
Dance and music have long served as powerful mediums for preserving India’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Cultural Dance for Maa Sita will provide a platform for artistic presentations inspired by her life, virtues, and journey.
Through expressive performances, participating artists will seek to bring the emotional depth and cultural richness of the Ramayana to audiences.
3. Natya Rupantaran: Bringing the Ramayana to Life
Natya Rupantaran, a theatrical interpretation of the Ramayana, will seek to present significant episodes and values associated with Maa Sita through dramatic storytelling.
The presentation aims to make the epic’s teachings accessible to contemporary audiences while highlighting the importance of truth, courage, dignity, devotion, and righteousness.
4. Rathyatra for Maa Sita
The Rathyatra for Maa Sita is envisioned as a devotional procession celebrating her divine legacy and inspiring collective participation.
Through this gathering, devotees will have an opportunity to express their reverence, strengthen community bonds, and share the message of Dharma and spiritual unity.
5. Thousands of Diyas Illuminating Ashok Vatika
One of the anticipated highlights of Sita Utsav 2026 is a grand Deepotsav featuring the lighting of thousands of traditional earthen lamps at Ashok Vatika.
The sight of illuminated diyas will symbolise faith, hope, devotion, and the enduring light of Dharma. The initiative is intended to create a memorable devotional atmosphere while honouring Maa Sita at a location associated with her story.
6. IEA and SGF Presents Maa Sita Shakti Awards
The Maa Sita Shakti Awards, presented by IEA, are intended to recognise individuals and organisations whose work reflects values associated with Maa Sita, particularly women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, social responsibility, and community service.
The awards will seek to celebrate those who translate these ideals into meaningful action and inspire others through their dedication and achievements.
Inspiring Women and the Next Generation
One of the central objectives of Sita Utsav 2026 is to bring renewed attention to Maa Sita’s qualities and their relevance in contemporary life.
Her story offers powerful lessons in self-respect, resilience, compassion, moral strength, patience, and conviction. By presenting these values through cultural performances, public activities, and spiritual engagement, the festival aims to encourage women and young people to explore the deeper significance of her legacy.
The initiative also seeks to promote a broader understanding of women’s dignity and strength, recognising that the values associated with Maa Sita can inspire positive choices, responsible leadership, and stronger communities.
International Cultural Exchange and Shared Heritage
Sita Utsav 2026 is envisioned as a platform for cultural engagement that reaches beyond geographical boundaries.
By bringing together participants and well-wishers connected with India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the festival aims to encourage dialogue around shared traditions, Ramayana heritage, spiritual values, and cultural understanding.
The programme also presents an opportunity to draw attention to Sri Lanka’s cultural and tourism heritage associated with the Ramayana tradition, while fostering goodwill and people-to-people connections.
Through collective participation, Sita Utsav aspires to demonstrate how spiritual heritage can become a bridge for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and international friendship.
Preparations and Coordination in Sri Lanka
Preparations for the festival have included visits to Ashok Vatika and a Hanuman temple associated with the Ramayana tradition, as well as discussions concerning event arrangements and coordination. The organising team, including Dr. Manindra Jain, Captain Praveen Kumar, actress Surbhi Tiwari, and Sri Lankan associates G. Kumar and Himanshu Kishore, has undertaken preparatory engagement to explore arrangements for the event.
According to the organisers’ shared update, discussions have also taken place with Sri Lankan government representatives and the Indian Embassy in Colombo regarding the proposed celebration and possible cooperation. These preparatory efforts reflect the organisers’ intention to bring together spiritual, cultural, and institutional stakeholders in support of the festival.
How You Can Become Part of Sita Utsav 2026
Sita Utsav is an invitation to everyone who wishes to celebrate Maa Sita’s legacy and help preserve Sanatan cultural heritage. Devotees, families, spiritual organisations, cultural institutions, artists, youth groups, volunteers, and well-wishers can explore opportunities to participate in the festival and contribute to its broader mission.
People who cannot attend in person can also support the initiative through awareness, community outreach, sharing event information, and offering resources or seva towards the festival’s arrangements. Every sincere effort to preserve cultural heritage and share Maa Sita’s message can help extend the reach and impact of this celebration.
Join the Celebration
Sita Utsav 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate more than a historical narrative. It is an occasion to reflect on the enduring ideals of Maa Sita and their relevance to the world today.
From the Spiritual Run and cultural performances to the Rathyatra, the Deepotsav, and the Maa Sita Shakti Awards, the festival seeks to create a meaningful gathering rooted in devotion, cultural expression, and social inspiration.
The Sanatani Ganga Foundation invites devotees, cultural enthusiasts, organisations, and well-wishers to join this sacred initiative and help make Sita Utsav 2026 a memorable celebration of Maa Sita’s divine legacy.
Be part of the celebration. Honour Maa Sita. Preserve our heritage. Inspire the next generation.
Event: Sita Utsav 2026 (Sitotsav)
Dates: 17–19 December 2026
Venue: Ashok Vatika, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Organising organisations: Sanatani Ganga Foundation and the festival’s organising partners
For participation and further information, please connect with the Sanatani Ganga Foundation through its official website.
॥ जय माता सीता ॥ जय श्री राम
