MANANG, July 15: The 'Chhetu' festival has been observed in the mountainous district, Manang. Also known as 'Miteri', the festival means to maintain unity and fraternity among siblings and relatives.

The festival is observed from the Nepali month of Asar 20 (5 July, 2023 this year) with the participation of women at large. Observers stay in isolation for four or five days before conducting a puja, and making new friends that lasts two days. Making new friends starts after the conclusion of a Chhetu fair.

Similarly, a puja is conducted in isolation, and two women make new friend each other with the hope that they easily meet even after death, said a local Maya Gurung. 

The puja takes place during the Milerepa isolation at Bhaka of Disyang Rural Municipality-5 in the district where Lama recites scripture before making new friend between two women, said another local Karma Tshering Gurung. Dances and singing also take place.

The occasion has seen the participation of local people from all wards of the rural municipality, he said. They also participated in a Chhetu fair. Relations become strengthened and go for long after making friend, according to a belief.

The Milerepa isolation is considered to be a symbol of friendship. Murder and violence ended when the king in an ancient time met with Milerepa in course of hunting, according to a legend.

(RSS)

 
• 'Chhetu'_festival
 
• Manang