Scores of farmers, along with their families, across Nepal observed an annual paddy festival. The day is spent planting rice, splashing around in the muddy fields and indulging in a special feast.
Rice is beloved staple food for millions in Nepal. The crop is generally planted once a year – in July – and then harvested typically four months later.
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Celebrating the paddy fields, rice cultivation
The paddy festivals falls in the third month of the official Nepali calendar. It is called Asār. This period coincides with June 15 to July 16. The 15th day of this month is known as Asar Pandra, and is the celebration of rice field cultivation.
From this day onward, most farmers start planting new rice seedlings. The day of celebration is known as ‘dahi chiura’ (beaten rice with yoghurt), for the curd/yoghurt and beaten rice that is enjoyed during the feast.
People also eat yoghurt with puffed rice, with mangoes and bananas.
The day is also spent with farmers and their families singing traditional songs to welcome the rain, and thanking deities for sending the rain on time.
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The Nepalese government has declared National Paddy Day a holiday, and encourages people to continue farming rice. This as many are looking to venture onto other career paths. Nepal observes the day on June 30th, and various programmes are organised across the country.
