The arrival of the major autumn festival has brought widespread festive activity to rural settlements. Residents are actively engaged in shopping at local markets, dressing in new clothes, preparing delicious meals, and clearing their house yards. The festive period is traditionally marked by family gatherings to receive tika and blessings from elders. Alongside these ongoing celebrations, long-standing local traditions surrounding house maintenance and decoration are undergoing noticeable changes in Dhankuta. The age-old custom of painting home exteriors and walls using red mud, white clay, and natural resin is increasingly falling out of regular practice across the area. Locals traditionally collected red mud alongside white clay, known as kamero, and mixed pine resin, known as khoto, to clean and decorate their homes ahead of the celebrations. Observers note that these organic materials and traditional wall-painting practices are gradually being overshadowed by modern alternatives during the festival season.
CultureUpdated
Traditional Dashain House Decoration Practices Fade in Dhankuta
The custom of using red mud, white clay, and resin to restore homes during Dashain is declining.
0:28
In short
- The major autumn festival celebrations have commenced across villages with market shopping and gatherings.
- The customary practice of painting homes with red and white clay is declining in Dhankuta.
- Residents traditionally used natural resin alongside clay to decorate house walls for Dashain.
From public sources and the WeNepal research team
https://wenepal.com/article/traditional-dashain-house-decoration-practices-fade-in-dhankuta-20261020
Comments
Comments are not open yet. We are building moderation first so the conversation stays safe. Use the contact form to reach the newsroom.
Contact