Tradition of red clay houses fading
Summary
The traditional practice of coating Nepali homes with red clay, khato and kamero before Dashain is fading as cement houses and modern paints replace old building methods. The decline is also causing younger generations to lose knowledge of the natural materials once used to protect and decorate homes.
Key Points
- Villagers in rural Nepal once decorated homes with red clay, khato and kamero ahead of Dashain.
- The shift to cement construction and modern paints is making these traditional practices increasingly rare.
- Natural resin from Sal tree bark was also used to protect wooden doors and windows from moths and dirt.
- The loss of these methods is seen as a setback for cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
