The 12th-day shradh ceremony of Darbhanga’s last Maharani Kamsundari Devi, turned into a historic and grand event on Thursday, reflecting the rich legacy of the Darbhanga royal family and the deep-rooted traditions of Mithila. The ceremony witnessed an extraordinary display of devotion, generosity, and royal hospitality, drawing massive crowds from across Bihar and beyond.
As part of the shradh rituals, a large-scale Mahabhoj was organised in which arrangements were made to serve food to more than one lakh people. Visuals from the venue showed devotees standing in queues stretching nearly 2.5 kilometres, patiently waiting to take part in the feast. On Wednesday alone, around 50,000 people were served meals, highlighting the enormous scale of the arrangements.
One of the most striking aspects of the ceremony was the extensive charitable donations made to Brahmins. Along with traditional offerings, silver plates, glasses, bowls, spoons, and biscuit trays were distributed. In a rare blend of tradition and modernity, household appliances such as air conditioners, coolers, refrigerators, and washing machines were also donated, symbolising royal generosity adapted to contemporary times.
The event drew the presence of prominent dignitaries and spiritual leaders. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan attended the ceremony, along with several saints and religious figures. Members of royal families from different parts of the country also took part, lending national attention and ceremonial importance to the occasion.
The culinary arrangements matched the grandeur of the gathering. A team of nearly 300 skilled cooks and artisans was deployed to manage the massive operation. According to the organisers, close to 3,000 varieties of dishes were prepared, including 56 bhog offerings, traditional Mithila delicacies, royal-style vegetarian meals, and 10 to 12 varieties of sweets.
The sheer volume of food reflected the scale of the event. Buckets filled with curd and large tubs brimming with gulab jamuns were seen at the venue. Nearly five lakh sweets were prepared exclusively for the shradh feast, ensuring that no guest left without being served.
Beyond its grandeur, the shradh ceremony stood as a powerful expression of Mithila’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The event underscored the region’s long-standing values of charity, respect for ancestors, and community service. For many attendees, the feast was not merely a ritual meal but a rare glimpse into the living traditions of one of Bihar’s most influential royal lineages.
The grand farewell to Maharani Kamsundari Devi served as a reminder that even in modern times, royal customs and age-old traditions continue to shape social and spiritual life in Mithila, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the historic ceremony.