KAILALI: Bhuwa Parva, celebrated in hilly and mountainous districts including Bajura, Bajhang, Achham and Doti in Far-Western region as well as few other districts in Mid-West, has traditionally begun on Thursday.

It is the second greatest festival, after Dashain, to be observed with much fanfare in these districts.

The festival that falls on the new moon day in the Nepali month of Poush according to the lunar calendar, celebrates the victory of the Pandavas over the Kauravas in the epic battle at Kurukshetra in the Vedic age.

People on the occasion play a set of five traditional musical instruments named Panche Baja.

Men in particular dance displaying traditional weapons including khukuri and sword in their hands.

Likewise, people keep vigil throughout the night and sing songs embodying the sagas of the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

On the onset of the festival, they also march carrying flaming torches.