Madhubani: Though diminished in spirit, the tradition of Saurath Sabha continues to survive in form. On Wednesday, the ceremonial inauguration of this historic event was carried out by Sadar SDO Chandan Jha, keeping the age-old custom formally alive.Saurath Sabha is a centuries-old matrimonial convention held annually at Saurath village, situated around 6 km northeast of Madhubani. Traditionally conducted during the Hindu months of Jyestha-Aasadh (June–July), the gathering was once a grand affair, drawing thousands of Maithil Brahmins who convened to arrange marriages for their children.The sabha is held in a 22-acre mango orchard called Sabha Gachhi, a site generously donated by the erstwhile Maharaja of Darbhanga. A key feature of this event is the presence of Panjikars—genealogists—who authenticate family lineages from ancient records to ensure there is no blood relation between prospective couples. Only after such verification is an Asvajajanapatra (no-objection certificate) issued, permitting the marriage.Once attracting crowds in the lakhs, the popularity of Saurath Sabha has sharply declined in recent decades. Factors like modernization, growing acceptance of inter-caste marriages, and unfavourable portrayal by the media as a “groom market” have contributed to its fall in relevance.