SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 31 - The Ropai Jatra was celebrated on a grand scale in Phungling Bazaar of Taplejung on Sunday. 

It was organised by the Nepal Language and Cultural Society, according to its president Shankar Shrestha. It has been a tradition to mark the Jatra celebrated on the last day of the Gaijatra festival, signifying the completion of paddy cultivation.  Shrestha informed that since the Malla period, the Ropain Jatra has been celebrated the day after the Gaijatra festival. This Jatra has been promoting the art and culture of the Newar community.  

The Ropai Jatra includes artificial planting accompanied by music and Ropai dance performances. It also features traditional rice planting activities such as Hali, Bause, Ropahar and others, with performers wearing traditional costumes.  

Not only Newars but also youths from various communities participated in the Ropai Jatra. 

According to Sojit Shrestha, Ward Chairman of Phungling Municipality-5, citizens of all communities participated in the Gaijatra and Ropai Jatra.

Shrestha said that festivals such as Lakhe jatra, Gai Jatra and Ropai Jatra, Limbu's Chasok Tangnam, Rai's Sakela, and Hindu women's Teej have popular in the community.