“ROPAI FESTIVAL” – RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL

Monsoon cycle is considered one of the most important as well as peak month for the Nepalese farmers. During this time, the farmers are busy in their field for planting saplings. Specially, at the hilly settlements, the farmers follow the traditional method of plantation with self-involvement for the ploughing and leveling of field filled with water (Baushe); seedlings (Bue) and separation of saplings as well as plantation (Ropai).

“Ploughing  field for Rice Plantation”

Among monsoon days, Ashad 15 has become an auspicious day representing the ending of plantation with celebration. At this day, usually, the main field of family is cultivated with great enthusiasm, when every member from family participate in plantation, prepare delicious food for the participants (Ropare), worship rain god and earth for better production and enjoy Nepali Folk Song (Asare Geet). The song sang during plantation is very unique and enumerate both joy and sorrow of farmers.

“Happy farmer”

In past, the Nepalese farmer believe in completing the plantation till mid of Ashad and marked Ashad 15 as the day of “End of Plantation program for the year”. However, due to global warming, the country is receiving late monsoon. Hence, nowadays, the plantation program continued even after mid- Ashad, as Nepalese Agriculture highly depends on monsoon.

“Symbol of Ashad 15- Dahi Chuwra with some fruits”

The day Ashad 15 is also known as “Dahi-Chura Khane Din”. On this day, people compulsorily eat Yogurt (Dahi) with Beaten Rice (Chura) and other scrumptious dishes. Beaten rice is very often food of Nepalese. As, June/July is humid season, it is believed that taking yogurt will calms our body temperature. Celebrating the completion of plantation, people involve in playing with mud, sing folk songs and jokes among each other.

“Lush Green field during monsoon”

For the monsoon traveler, Nepal is not recommended for trekking/climbing; however, this time is one of the perfect and special for those who wish to encounter the traditional method of planting rice in Nepalese society. At this time, the visitor can enjoy the lush green valley captured by small flowers.

“Enthusiastic celebration of Ropai festival”

To promote as well as continue the traditional Agricultural system of Nepalese society, the organization like Nepal Tourism Board, Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF), and Pokhara Tourism Council has been organizing “Ropai Festival” in different villages of Nepal. For the participation on vary day, huge people, from international as well as national level come here and celebrate to the fullest.

“Monsoon a best time to grow quintals from kilos”

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