Atwari Parba is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration held by the Tharu community. It is mostly celebrated in Nepal’s Western Terai area. This celebration exemplifies the region’s rich traditions and community spirit. It also celebrates brother and sisterhood. It is only celebrated once a year, on the same Sunday. It falls in the month of (Bhadra), when the Krishna Janmashtami (Astimki in Tharu) festival is celebrated after 2 weeks on Sunday, and the Atwari Festival follows.
History and Origins
Atwari Parba is deeply rooted in the region’s history. The festival has been celebrated since ancient times. It marks the conclusion of the monsoon season and the start of the harvest era. According to historical sources, Atwari Parba has been celebrated since the reign of the Malla rulers in the Kathmandu Valley. The event was originally based on agricultural cycles, representing appreciation for a plentiful harvest and wealth.
Old myth
Atwari Parba is an important festival in Nepal’s Terai region. It is profoundly written in the”Mahabharat.” It is about the heroic acts of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. According to the Tharu traditions, Bhima and his brother went to live in the forest (banbash). They settled in a small part of the forest. At that time there was a monster going on an eating rampage, destroying the villagers’ fields, always eating the barley, disturbing, harsh, and bothering women too. One day some Indigenous Tharu people came to ask for help with the Pandava brothers. Bhim went to help the villagers and fought and defeated the monster. Bhim also protected the lives of villagers and the dignity of women. Bhim also found out that villagers were living with no food and were hungry for more days due to the giant monsters’s distress. He gave them food, which he had. Bhima’s valiant action not only defeated the demon but also relieved the villagers of great misery.
Another legend describes the relationship between the Tharu king, Dangisharan, and the five Pandavas, who visited the region along with Draupadi. On Bhima’s visit, he found that King Dangisharan of the Tharu people was being attacked. Bhima, while preparing bread for the monarch, protected the realm against invaders. The practice of celebrating Atwari Parba on a Sunday is thought to honor the day Bhima’s great actions took place. This event honors Bhima’s courage and protection, showing his long-lasting effect on the Tharu community.
Celebrations and Rituals
In Atwari Parba, people wake up early around 1 AM to 4 AM Saturday Nighttime. They prepare many items to eat. That time is called “VansaryaKhana”. If they eat after 4 AM then it will be bad luck (Jutho).
Then the next day Sunday (atwari festival) Men and women celebrate by fasting. Especially men fast; they don’t eat anything for a whole day even water too. In the evening time they worship and then eat foods like Bariya, Khurma, Anddik Roti, fruits, curd, milk, sweets, Honey and many more but without salt before sunset, and after sunset they are not allowed to eat not even water, and again before eating food they put out the food for their sisters.
On Monday, they make rice, 5, 7, 9, or 11 sorts of dishes, and cook veggies such as Fulauri, Khariya, Siddhra, KerauGuda, PoinkaSaage, and so on. They likewise set out food for their sisters before eating it. The day is known as “Farrar”.
The food which was put out from the brothers’ meals is given to their sisters. The sister also returns the food to her brother. In the Tharu language, this process is called”Agrashan”. The Agrashan (Kosheli) is specifically offered to their married sisters.
Conclusion
Atwari Parba is a vibrant celebration that offers insight into the cultural and spiritual life of Nepal’s Terai region. The festival, which is rooted in ancient traditions and inspired by deeply held values, is a time for appreciation, and social delight. Whether you are a resident or a guest, Atwari Parba offers an unforgettable memory. You can enjoy the festival’s rich tradition and joyful mood.
Also read: Top 4 Iconic Sites to Visit in Kirtipur, Nepal
Image source: https://www.communityhomestay.com/experiences/tharu-cultural-dance
