BANIYANI, April 14: The indigenous peoples of the eastern Tarai region are celebrating the Siruwa festival amidst fervor.
This is a special festival of the indigenous communities that is celebrated for three days starting from the New Year's Day. Specially, the people from the Rajbanshi, Tharu, Gangain, Tajpuria and Majhi indigenous communities in Sunsari, Morang, Jhapa, Saptari and Siraha districts celebrate the festival with fanfare.
Ubhauli festival being observed with fanfare (photo feature)
People here worship the village deities and mark the festival with the beginning of the Nepali New Year.
On the first day of the festival which is known as Pani (water) Siruwa people splash water at each other. The second day of the festival is known as Kad (mud) Siruwa and the third day is called the Rang (colour) Siruwa.
There is a belief that the difficulties and crisis would be away when the village deities is made happy with worshipping. Locals in the southern plains of the east also have a belief that cereal production is increased when these deities are pleased.
People also organise dances and cultural performances as part of the festival. This festival is also celebrated in Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Koch Bihar of India. RSS
