Khokana celebrates 'Ropain' festival

KATHMANDU: For the sixth year running, Social Tours in association with Bagmati Trails Initiative marketed and organized Ropain–the Rice Planting Festival in Khokana on Saturday.

Locals residents planted rice saplings, while participants enjoyed playing in the mud.

About 65 people, from Nepal and other countries as varied as Australia, Austria, Russia, China, USA, Lebanon and India, participated in the festival held in Bungamati Area, in the southern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley.

Along with Nepalis, foreigners also sat cross-legged to enjoy an authentic Newari meal, which was organized by Sabah Nepal.

Ropain Festival is observed annually to celebrate the onset of monsoon season. The festival is celebrated mostly by farmers.