KANCHANPUR: A public holiday has been declared across the Sudurpaschim province today on the occasion of the Bhuwa parba or festival. Bhuwa parba is an original and historic cultural festival observed in the province.

A decision of the Sudurpaschim Province Government Cabinet today announced that all government offices and public institutions in the province will be closed.

This festival, which is celebrated with special significance particularly in Bajura, Bajhang and Achham, is associated with the legend of the Mahabharata epic during the Dwapara Yuga.

According to religious beliefs, this festival is celebrated in joy of the victory that the Pandavas achieved over the Kauravas in the battle of the Mahabharata.

Dil Bahadur Budha, former ward chairperson of Shuklaphanta Municipality-11, said that the traditional dance performed during this festival is considered a symbol of bravery.

According to him, with the recent increase in migration from hilly districts to the Terai, the vibrancy of this festival has also significantly grown in Kailali and Kanchanpur.

Special cultural programmes of Bhuwa dance and Deuda dance, accompanied by singing, reflecting the uniqueness of the hill culture, are organised in urban areas as well, including Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar.

Budha said that this festival has strengthened the cultural unity between the hills and the Terai. “Bhuwa festival is not just entertainment, but it is observed as an enactment of battle in commemoration of legends and historical tales.

This festival begins the day before Poush Krishna Aunsi (the new moon day in the month of Poush) and is celebrated joyfully for three to five days,” he said.

According to him, as part of the Bhuwa celebration, men wear traditional clothes (white robe and turban) and carry a sword and shield in their hands and dance in a circle formation while enacting a battle scene, collectively demonstrating martial skills.