SATV, Kathmandu, April. 09 - A centuries-old indigenous culture is still alive in Chimkhola, Raghuganga Rural Municipality–7, Myagdi. Locals celebrated Bhume Puja with great enthusiasm, following traditional customs.

In the month of Chaitra, after performing ritual worship at Bhumethan in Sewang Dhuri, locals sing and dance while smearing black colour each other.

Thak Prasad Paija, Ward Chairman of Chimkhola, Raghuganga Rural Municipality–7, said that they celebrate Bhume Puja as a cultural festival, preserving traditions that are gradually disappearing due to the impact of modernity.

He said, “The tradition that has continued since the time of our ancestors is still alive. The younger generation has also started showing interest in preserving our original culture. On the occasion of Bhume Puja, young people living in cities also return to their villages and actively participate in preserving their culture and traditions.”

He added that a large number of domestic tourists, including Chimkhola residents living both in Nepal and abroad, as well as people from neighboring villages, participate in the festival.

La Bahadur Pun, an 84-year-old senior citizen of Chimkhola, said that the tradition of invoking gods and goddesses through songs in the Sedo tune (bhaka) during Bhume Puja has been preserved.

This year, senior citizens La Bahadur Pun and Pa Bahadur Tilija also reached Bhumethan to perform the Sedo tune, which holds special significance during the puja.

After worship, which includes the sacrifice of a bull, home-brewed alcohol prepared by the chhemas and the priest is offered. It is then customary to drink the alcohol and celebrate by dancing, singing and smearing black color (moso) on one another.

A month prior to Bhume Puja, a woman is selected by the village assembly to prepare alcohol. Separate groups are formed in different villages to collect millet, rice, and cash from each household for its preparation.

Traditional performances such as the Topa dance, the dance of the bride and groom carrying kalash, and the Thali dance showcase the community’s rich cultural heritage.