Bhitaulo Festival begins

By Keshab Raj Bhatt,Baitadi, Mar. 16: As Chaitra begins, the traditional Bhitaulo festival has begun in Baitadi and other hilly districts of the Sudurpaschchim Province.

Especially in Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura, Bajhang, and other districts, it has long been a tradition for brothers from the maternal side to visit their married daughters and sisters at their homes throughout the month of Chaitra.

Bhitaulo is an old cultural tradition of the Sudurpaschchim. On this occasion, brothers and relatives from the maternal side visit the houses of their daughters and sisters carrying sweets, fruits, clothes, and other items.

Along with the meeting, it is customary for them to stay at their daughters’ and sisters’ homes for a day or two and exchange joys and sorrows among family members, said Dhir Bahadur Bista, an expert on local culture.

Families who have migrated from the hills to the Tarai have also continued this tradition. Even those who live far away try to visit their daughters and sisters as much as possible during the month of Chaitra. There is also a belief in society that not visiting sisters during the month of Chaitra is a bad omen, Bista said.

This is why the tradition of sisters waiting for their brothers to come and visit them is still alive. It is also common for women who do not have brothers to be visited by their neighbors.

It is believed that Bhitaulo provides an opportunity to express love, respect, and affection towards daughters and sisters who have left their homes and moved away from their families. It is considered a cultural identity that further strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters.

Earlier, it was customary to take homemade dishes, crops, and household items when going for Bhitaulo visits. Recently, however, the use of items purchased from the market has been increasing, said Hemanti Pant, a local of Patan Municipality-3.

Local businessman Birendra Bhatta said that due to the Bhitaulo festival, there is increased activity in the local market throughout the month of Chaitra.

This tradition, which has been going on since ancient times, is still alive in the communities of the Far West as a symbol of love between brothers and sisters, said Dhana Bhatta, a local of Shailyashikhar Municipality-4.