Majhi community preserves unique ancestral ‘Pitara’ festival in Kavrepalanchowk
Summary
The Majhi community in Kavrepalanchowk preserves its ancestral three-day ‘Pitara’ festival, honoring deceased family members with songs, dances and prayers after Dashain and Tihar. Local youths are helping keep the distinctive ritual alive as a marker of community identity.
Key Points
- The Majhi community in Kavrepalanchowk observes the ancestral Pitara festival as a three-day ritual honoring deceased family members.
- The festival is performed after Dashain and Tihar and includes wall drawings, singing, dancing and prayers before offerings are immersed in a river.
- Unlike annual shraddha, Majhi tradition holds that Pitara rites need not be repeated once performed for a deceased relative.
- Community members say preserving Pitara helps keep Majhi identity and cultural heritage alive for younger generations.
