Atwari Festival being observed in Western Tarai

Sudurpaschim, Sept 8: The Dagaura Chaudhary community residing in the Western Terai area is celebrating the Atwari festival with fervour today. 

This time-honoured festival is believed to foster mutual goodwill, unity and community relations. The festival is observed by the Dagaura Chaudhary community in Dang, Banke, Bardia, Kailali and Kanchannpur districts with elaborate ceremonies, cultural performances and feasting.     

During the festival, which follows monsoon farming, the community indulges themselves in cultural programmes in every junction of their settlements. They feast on delicacies, especially made from the 'Andi' species of rice.     

Other highlights of the indigenous delicacies consumed during the festival are Khurma, Phulauri, Khariya, Ghongi, Geta tina, Acchi tina and Surik Sikar among others.

Additionally, the preparation of "Agrasan", a dish made and reserved for daughters and sisters to savour on the second day of the two-day festival is one of the culinary customs of this Festival. The festival concludes by offering the "Agrasan" to sisters and daughters.     

The festival falls on the first Sunday of Bhadra Shuklapaksha following Shree Krishna Janmashtami and is a reflection of vibrant cultural heritages of the community.     

The Dagaura Chaudhary community traces the origin of the festival to the Vedic era and observes it in celebration of the bravery of Bhima, one among the five Pandava brothers, during their exile in the forest following their defeat in the battle of Mahabharata.     

It is believed by the Dagaura Chaudhary community that the 'Badkimar' i.e. the time for reading out the Mahabharata epic's stories, begins from the day of the Atwari festival.     

The Sudurpaschim Provincial government, in recognition of the festival, has declared a public holiday in the province on Sunday. (RSS)