KANCHANPUR:- The Rana Tharu community in Kanchanpur and Kailali celebrated the Chaitaki Charai festival on Sunday, marking an important cultural tradition observed every year in the month of Chaitra.

The festival is associated with religious faith and community participation. On this occasion, people worship Nava Durga Bhagwati, praying for good health in the village, better agricultural production, and overall well-being.

According to Rana Tharu, leader Jagata Rana, women play a central role in the celebration. There is a tradition of women going together to rivers, ponds, and reservoirs for fishing. They also prepare special dishes at home before heading to the fields.

As part of the customs, married daughters distribute sweets among family members. In some areas, women also sing Bhagirath Leela songs during the festival.

Community leaders say the festival reflects strong cultural values, collective participation, and long-standing traditions of the Rana Tharu people.