Local farmers in Bhaktapur held a banquet for frogs in their farms on Monday. The long-held tradition is also carried out in several other places every year, one day prior to Gaijatra on the occasion of Janai Purnima. 

Family members gather and feed the amphibians in their gardens or farms. The locals call this tradition ‘Byan Jaa Naka Wanegu’ meaning ‘feeding the frogs’. ‘Byan’ means frog and ‘Jaa NakWanegu’ refers to the act of feeding them. 

Renu Shrestha, a local of Naute, Suryabinayak said, she heads to her farm early in the morning to feed the frogs every year on this day. She added that the meal for the frogs was supposed to be placed on top of leaves and left in the farms as per the tradition.  Farmers usually include kwati (bean stew), fruits, rice, areca nuts and other food items in the frogs’ feast. Apart from that, they also bring cosmetics and makeup items for the frogs. A special dish called ‘Aina’, made of diced radishes, is also prepared for the occasion.

Cultural Expert Tejeshwar Babu Gonga, who was busy helping the farmers, said the Newar community fed the frogs with great esteem and belief. He added that the farmers fed the frogs once every year to thank the latter for protecting their crops.

The farmers also enjoy a feast in the farms after feeding the frogs. The meal usually includes rotis and bean stew.