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Nepal Celebrates Paddy Day With Traditional Rice Transplantation

Women plant rice seedlings in waterlogged paddy fields during the observance of National Paddy Day (Asar 15) on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 29, 2026. Celebrated annually at the onset of the monsoon season, the day marks the beginning of rice transplantation across the country. Farmers and local communities participate in traditional mud-field planting, accompanied by folk songs and festive gatherings, and share Dahi Chiura--a customary meal of beaten rice and yogurt believed to bring prosperity for the agricultural season. Rice is Nepal's staple crop, with the agriculture sector contributing around 24 percent to the national GDP and supporting more than 60 percent of the population. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13902803
Date Taken	29 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto

Small Group of People Action Shot Asar 15 Dahi Chiura Farming Kathmandu valley National Paddy Day Nepal Nepal culture Ropain Diwas Rural Life Safal Safal P Shrestha Safal Photos Safal Prakash Shrestha SafalPrakashShrestha agrarian society agriculture community farming cultural festival farmers farming rituals harvest preparation monsoon monsoon season mud fields paddy fields rice planting rice seedlings rice transplantation seasonal agriculture staple crop traditional farming waterlogged fields women farmers