Saurath is a small village located in the Madhubani district of the Indian state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the river Kosi and is renowned for its historical significance. Six kilometres northeast of the district headquarters lies the village of Saurath. The village is famous for the Saurath Sabha, a traditional assembly where marriages of Maithil Brahmins are arranged. The Brahmins residing in the Mithalanchal region of Bihar and its adjoining areas of Nepal are known as Maithil Brahmin.

This assembly has been held annually for over 700 years and is considered one of the oldest cultural traditions in the country. This tradition was started by King Hari Singh Dev of the Karnat dynasty about 700 years ago. Interestingly, no one organises the assembly. There are neither sponsors nor organizers of the annual gathering.

The Saurath Sabha draws Brahmins from various parts of India and Nepal, who come here to find suitable brides and grooms for their children. The village also has a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts a large number of devotees every year.

It is a century-old groom market, where grooms are on display with a minimum dowry tag. The parents of the bride select the groom. It’s a marriage market where brides have no say.