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Nepal Marks “Paddy Day” Celebrating Rice And Rituals

A Nepali farmer dances in tune as she takes part in ''Ropain,'' the transplantation of paddy saplings in a field on the outskirts of Lalitpur District, Nepal, on June 29, 2025, as the nation marks ''National Paddy Day,'' celebrating rice and rituals. Soaking in mud and water, farmers continuously work in the field, leveling the mud to ensure an even level and continuous flow of water, creating a favorable topography for the paddy saplings to grow. The plantation of paddy saplings in the field, known as ''Ropain,'' holds high significance for farmers in Nepal, which is primarily dominant during the monsoon season that starts in June and lasts for four months. While planting the saplings, farmers run behind each other, smearing mud on faces and splashing muddy water as a means of fun. These sorts of activities are highly visible in the Himalayan nation on the 15th of Ashar, which has been marked as National Paddy Day since 2005, previously marked as the day to indicate the start of the cultivation season with the onset of the monsoon. As farmers gather, a feast is thrown, which includes beaten rice, curd, pickle, and homemade brew. Because of this long-standing tradition of having victuals, Ashar-15 is also known as ''Dahi (Curd)- Chiura (Beaten-rice)'' eating day. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

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