When is Bhuwa Parba?
Bhuwa Parba is a regional public holiday in the Nepali province of Sudur Paschim (also known as the Far-Western region). It is observed on the new moon in Nepali month of Poush, the ninth month in the lunar calendar. The festival can fall in December or January in the western calendar.
Traditions of Bhuwa Parba
This popular festival celebrates the victory of the Pandavas over the Kauravas in the epic battle at Kurukshetra in the Vedic age ( c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE).
The 18-day war was described in the Indian epic poem Mahābhārata. It was fought between two families - the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana and their cousins, the Pandavas, led by Yudhisthira as the result of a succession struggle for the kingdom of Hastinapura.
The decisive, final battle occurred at Kurukshetra, located in the modern-day state of Haryana, northeast India.
Bhuwa Parba is mainly celebrated in hilly and mountainous districts such as Accham, Bajura, Bajhang and Doti.
During the festival, a set of five traditional Nepali musical instruments named Panche Baja are played. Men perform dances with traditional weapons as Khukuri (curved knives) and swords in their hand.
A vigil kept through the night with the singing of traditional songs that recount the sagas of the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
At the start of the festival, there is also a march involving flaming torches.
