They have started it again saying the tradition should not be wiped out.[break]
Rai people in many VDCs have started to celebrate it in the district after a long time of stopping it. Bhim Bahadur Rai of Kharmi-5 said they started celebrating it, as traditions are more important than culture.
Likewise, Kirant Rais of Patheka, Jalapa, Baksila, Sapteswor, Chyasmitar, Durchhim and Mangaltar also started the tradition again.
This year was more joyous than past years as I had come to celebrate Dashain from out of the district, as do those in foreign jobs, said Lalitkumar Rai of Bamrang.
As the newlywed daughters and sons in laws arrive this season, we are compelled to celebrate it, Bobby Chamling of Lafyang said.
He said whatever definition is given of the Dashain; all the festivals are equally good for communal harmony.
Some Kirant Rai communities make feasts as in Dashain even if they do not receive the tika. They sacrifice animals at every households, and relatives gather. However, some VDCs have totally abandoned celebrating it. But they also invite new sons in laws in the festival.
Even if we do not celebrate it, it is the tradition to invite new son in laws in Dashain, said Harkaraj Rai of Kharmi-5
Even if there is a tradition of meeting relatives during Udhauli and Ubhauli festivals as per Kirant tradition, the new son in law should be especially called in Dashain, said Parshuram Rai of Kharmi-9.
People of Turkha, Kumdel, Bohoribot of Kharmi also started celebrating Dashain from this year. As we feel it depressing not to celebrate, we started it again, said a radio journalist Ram Dhan Rai.
Many in Diktel, Nerpa, Yamkha, Chisapani, Bopung, Baplukha, Baspani, Rakha, Aiselukharka, Makpa, and Batase VDCs also started celebrating the festival from this year.
However, in Jalapa, Ratanchha and other VDCs, it has been totally banned to celebrate. Those, who have abandoned it, say they did it not because of religious or cultural reasons, but because of unmanaged feasting, unnecessary expenses and quarrels.
Rai community has lately started debate about celebrating or not celebrating it, as the country has now adopted secularism.
Related story
Tej Kumar becomes ‘Khotang Idol’
