Tharu community celebrates lawangi Puja with cultural festivities in Kailali

Kailali: The Tharu community in Kailali has been actively engaged in Lawangi Puja preparations since this morning, a traditional ritual performed annually on Bivah Panchami. The puja involves offering the season's newly harvested grain to the gods and goddesses as prasad.

Tharu leader Chandra Kumar Chaudhary explained that Lawangi Puja is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and is accompanied by Bhajahar and Harhar Pujas. Lawangi and Harhar Pujas are dedicated to grain crops, while Bhajahar Puja is observed to ward off diseases that typically affect the Tharu community during summer. Bhajahar Puja is held at the onset of the summer season.

The Lawangi Puja holds particular significance as it is linked to the harvest. In Kailali, the Tharu community performs the puja at the Ghodaghodi Temple. "Ghodaghodi is regarded as the largest deity of the Tharu community in western Nepal," said Chaudhary. The temple, known as Ghorighora deuthan—a sacred site where deities reside—has been revered since ancient times. Worship involves offering sacrifices to honor the deity.

Following rituals at the Ghodaghodi Temple, worshippers customarily pay homage at the Maruwa, the sacred site in their respective villages. A cultural program has also been organized at Ghodaghodi to celebrate and preserve Tharu heritage. The event features performances by both national and local artists, along with traditional Tharu dances such as Badka Nach, Sakhiya Nach, Lathi Nach, Jhumra Nach, Katharia Nach, Din Nachuwa Nach, Dhamar, and Mangar.

Chairman Chaudhary noted that the festival draws devotees from various districts, including Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya, and Dang. The event underscores the Tharu community's commitment to preserving their cultural identity and traditions.