Luto Phalne tradition observed in Mugu

By Hari Krishna Aidi,Mugu, July 18 : An age-old tradition called ‘Luto Phalne’, which traditionally involves warding off scabies by lighting torches, was observed with much fanfare on Saune Sankranti in Mugu district. 

According to Karna Bahadur Aidi, an elderly resident of Chhayanath Rara Municipality, Ward No. 6, locals celebrated Sankranti by lighting torches on their rooftops, courtyards and verandas.

He said, “In our villages, it is a long-standing tradition to light torch (bundle of small bamboo parts) and shout towards neighbouring villages while doing so, often exchanging mock insults as part of the ritual.”

On the evening of the first day of the Nepali month of Saun (July 17), the settlements in Mugu lit up with the glow of these torches. 

According to tradition in this region, one torch is lit for each family member, and people stand on their rooftops and courtyards to light them.

They chant wishes like ‘May the diseases and skin infections go away’ and invite blessings from surrounding regions such as Dang and Deukhuri.

 This torch-lighting practice, accompanied by symbolic expressions, is widespread across Mugu and the Karnali region, said Aidi.

Every year on Nepali month of Saun 1, a fair is also held at Rara Lake, a major tourist destination in Nepal, where locals sing traditional Deuda songs to celebrate the occasion.

This traditional practice in Mugu has come to represent a unique cultural identity and stands as an example of heritage in a touristic region.

As soon as the torches are lit, they light up the whole village, and family members shout loudly, often hurling playful insults at neighbouring villages. 

After the torch-lighting, it is customary to prepare and enjoy various traditional delicacies. The event is also marked by the beating of traditional drums like Damaha and Thal.

According to a social worker, Rup Bahadur Malla, the tradition of lighting torches simultaneously across the district headquarters and surrounding villages still continues today as a message of celebrating Saune Sankranti. 

For about an hour, the villages shine bright with thousands of torches, one for each family member in every household, creating a truly astonishing sight.

Malla stated that this tradition holds profound cultural significance. On Saun 1, the region also observes a local holiday. 

This year, the Karnali Province government has officially announced a public holiday for the occasion.

In recent times, increasing urbanisation and commercialisation have led people to light torches on verandas instead of rooftops due to a lack of space.

 With the construction of new, modern houses with tin or concrete roofs, younger generations have adapted the tradition by continuing to light torches in courtyards and verandas.