National Paddy Day Explained

Holiday Name:National Paddy Day
Type:national
Observedby:Nepal
Date:29 June (15 Asaar)
Duration:1 day
Frequency:annual

National Paddy Day (Nepali: राष्ट्रीय धानरोपाई दिवस|translit=Rastriya Dhanropai Diwas) is an annual festival in Nepal which marks the beginning of the rice planting season. It is celebrated on the 15th of Ashadh (29 June) every year. The festival is also named Ropain Diwas, Dhan Diwas, and Ashadh Pandra.[1] [2] It is celebrated because the farmer have planted the materials e.g rice, lentils, vegetables e.t.c.

The festival usually starts with people making a parade in their village before entering the rice fields. People wear Nepali traditional clothes. According to OnlineKhabar, "Particular responsibilities are shared among men and women. Men plough the field, arrange drain water, level the fields and make fine mud slurry for the plantation". The people splash each other and play in the mud, plant rice seedlings, eat the traditional dish of curd and beaten rice, and sing folk songs.[3] Some communities schedule related cultural programs.[4]

The festival is also popular among tourists who visit Nepal, and hence this festival also forms a part of agrotourism.

History and significance

According to the cultural norm, 15 Ashadh is "considered as the auspicious day to start rice planting for the year". The date falls during the monsoon season, an optimal time for rice planting.[5] On 14 December 2004, the Nepal Government officially declared Ashadh 15 as National Paddy Day.[6] The celebration takes place under the theme of "Increase rice production for self-sufficiency and prosperity".[7]

The Provincial Assembly of Karnali Province has declared Ashadh 15 to be a public holiday in Karnali Province except for the Jumla District; paddy planting starts on 25 March in Jumla.[8]

Rice contributes to about 7 percent of Nepal's GDP.[9] In 2018, it was estimated that Nepal imports about Rs 25 billion worth of rice.[10]

Foods

Curd and beaten rice are traditionally consumed on National Paddy Day.[11] Yoghurt is also served.[12]

Major developments

A survey by The Himalayan Times in 2020 reported that in many remote areas of Nepal, children were not aware of the festival. In 2020, it was reported that the festival celebration was stale because of the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and locust infestation.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Asar 15: Nepali farmers hope for prosperity amid fears of Covid-19, locust attack. 29 June 2020. OnlineKhabar. en-GB.
  2. 10.3126/aej.v12i0.7564. Socio-Economic Development Through Agro- Tourism: A Case Study of Bhaktapur, Nepal. 2013. Pandey. Pradyumna Raj. Pandey. Hemprabha. Journal of Agriculture and Environment. 12. 59–66. free.
  3. Web site: 27 June 2016. National Paddy Day. 29 June 2020. The Himalayan Times. en-US.
  4. Web site: National Paddy Day marked with various events. 30 June 2020. 23 July 2020. The Rising Nepal.
  5. Book: Bhattarai, Krishna P. . Nepal. 2009. Infobase Publishing. 9781438105239.
  6. Web site: Rice varietal mapping. 29 June 2020. Crop Development Directorate.
  7. Web site: 29 June 2020. PM hopeful of mitigating COVID-19 impact on national economy by boosting up paddy production. 29 June 2020. Khabarhub. en.
  8. Web site: Public holiday announced in nine districts in Karnali Province on June 29. 29 June 2020. My Republica. en.
  9. Web site: Deupala. Monika. Nepal celebrates paddy planting day. 29 June 2020. Nepali Times. en-US.
  10. Web site: 30 June 2018. Will celebrations lead to higher paddy output?. 29 June 2020. The Himalayan Times. en-US.
  11. Web site: Playing and planting: Nepal celebrates paddy day. Agence France-Presse. 30 June 2020. 23 July 2020. France 24.
  12. Web site: National Paddy Day celebrations in photos. 29 June 2020. kathmandupost.com. English.