Panchthar, September 15
Students entered the Baraju playground accompanied by traditional musical instruments and symbolically reenacted rice planting as part of the traditional Ropain Jatra festival in Ranitar, Panchthar.
The students portrayed farmers involved in various stages of rice planting, including transplanting seedlings, ploughing and other agricultural activities. Their performances not only entertained spectators but also helped preserve the local tradition.
The festival was held in Ranitar of Phidim Municipality-7 on the occasion of National Children’s Day. Students from Ranitar Secondary School presented the Ropain Jatra.
Dressed in traditional attire representing different ethnic communities, the students put on colourful performances. At the end of the rice-planting reenactment, they formed the national flag.
Ward Chair Rupendra Tamang said the festival has continued a tradition dating back to 2037 BS. He said the cultural display in traditional attire has become an important part of Ranitar’s identity, which is also known for its scenic beauty.
The festival was traditionally held on Bhadra 4 on the occasion of Children’s Day and was popularly known as Hile Jatra in Panchthar. The event was discontinued during the conflict period but was later revived. After the country became a republic, organisers began holding it on Bhadra 29, said Tank Gurung, chair of the Ranitar United Club, the organiser. The festival could not be held last year due to the Gen Z movement.
According to Ranitar Secondary School Principal Ganga Rai, students underwent four days of training to prepare for the rice-planting performance.
Various activities, including open and veterans’ football tournaments, a senior citizens’ race and dance performances, were also organised as part of the festival.
