Jumla locals mark Luto Falne by burning fires on rooftops

By Our Correspondent Khalanga, July 19: The Khas people of Jumla and the Karnali area, including the Sinjha Valley, Sunday evening celebrated the first day of Shrawan month of the Nepali calendar, popularly known as Shrawan Sakranti, by burning fire to get rid of Luto (scabies), a skin disease. 

This day is popularly known as ‘Luto Falne Din’.

The locals of Jumla celebrated the Luto Falne Din in a traditional way by burning fire on the rooftop and in front of the houses and scolding people of their neighbouring villages.  

There is a tradition to light the fire equal to the total number of family members in each house and make a wish to get rid of all the dirt from the house and sickness and diseases in Jumla along with other areas in Karnali.

This tradition of Jumla has set an example of unique civilisation. While lighting the fire, some people play drums, plates and bells and shout loud and scold the neighbouring villagers. Then they eat a feast prepared for the evening.

The village was lit up by the fire for an hour while celebrating the day. 

The locals deliver the message of the celebration by lighting up fire at once in district headquarter Jumla and other villages of the district. 

According to an expert in Khas civilisation and a local of Kanak Sundari Rural Municipality Tungnath Upadhyaya, this tradition has carried a historical civilisation of the community. 

Considering the importance of the festival, the Karnali Province government had given a public holiday on this day in the district. 

At present, the houses constructed in modern way with the roof with cement, tin had stopped lighting fire on the roof and started lighting fire in front of their houses and on the roads.