Nepal is well popular in its richness in diversities. And the diversity does not limit only to nature, climate, vegetation and people but also the festivals that Nepalese celebrate. Sunday 30th June 2019 is a popular festival in Nepal which is called "Ashar Pandra" some calls it "Ropai Jatra" meaning 15th day of the third month of Nepalese original calendar and Rice planting festival. This is the day of happiness especially for farmers in Nepal who belong to the majority of the economic groups in Nepal. Joy begins with the long waited paddy plantation actually happens after all the hard work of seedling, irrigation management and field preparation is done.
Nepal being agricultural country is currently welcoming monsoon at its doorstep. The rain that monsoon brings throughout the country is proved as a boon as well as curse. Due to lack of good irrigation infrastructure and modern irrigation technologies, most of the Nepalese farmers have to rely upon rainwater for farming. Most of the farmers pray for God for gentle monsoon which will be favorable for them in terms of agricultural perspective.
Nepalese celebrate monsoon as a festival on Ashad 15 as a special day which represents the end of plantation of Paddy (Rice) and pray for its good production. Nepal Government has also declared this day as National Paddy Day to encourage farmers for cultivation of rice. In this day, farmers plant paddy and enjoy with each other’s by playing in muddy water and dancing in ‘Ashare Geet’, traditional folk song which is filled with sorrow and joy of farmers. We can get in touch with nature by playing with mud and get refreshed from the smell of soil.
In last few years not only Nepalese are seen celebrating Ashar 15, but most of the foreigners has been attracted to this festival. Programs of ‘ropain’ i.e planting rice for celebrating this muddy festivals is being conducted nowadays in various areas of Kathmandu Valley like Bungmati, Chapagaun, Thimi Machhegaun and so on. After the completion of plantation, the participants are given Chiura(Beaten rice) with Dahi(curd) and Aaloo ko achar(Potato Picle) which is regarded as special item on Ashad 15.
Let’s join our hands together and celebrate Ashad 15 today with full of fun. Pray for good production and happy harvesting. Get in touch with nature with smell of soil from the muddy field. Happy Ashad 15.
If you are first time visitors in Nepal, you should celebrate paddy plantation.
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