By Netra Shahi
Jumla, July 18: The people of Karnali continued with their centuries-old tradition this year as well and celebrated the first day of the Nepali month of Shrawan by lighting ceremonial fires.
The people marked the day Nepalis call Saaune Sankranti by banging plates, blowing conch shells and making fires on their roofs, balconies or gardens. Every house makes these fires in the evening with cedar and pine wood and prays for it to carry away all the diseases and infirmities that may afflict their families. The locals of Karnali have been doing this every year since time immemorial to mark Saaune Sankranti.
In addition to lighting fires, the people also yell insults at residents of neighbouring villages while playing various musical instruments. They also eat different dishes.
Before the pandemic, hundreds of tourists used to come to Jumla and other towns and villages of Karnali to observe this indigenous tradition of the province. Since last year, though, no outsider has come due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed to control it.
According to local Sulochana Hitan, this custom reflects the unique culture and civilisation of Karnali. Ramananda Acharya, an expert on Khas culture, described the Saaun fires symbolised two things. “The fires are a way of expressing happiness at the ascension of the fabled King Bali to the throne and also a commemoration of the burning of Lanka by Hanuman,” he explained.
However, Acharya worried that the construction of modern homes was threating this ancient practice. People with concrete homes shy away from lighting fires on their cemented or tinned roofs, he observed. “I solemnly request the youngsters to preserve their ancestors’ culture and never stop making these delightful fires,” he urged.