BHAKTAPUR: Farmers of Bhaktapur on Thursday offered a worship to frogs and fed them various delicacies to mark the Hindu festival of Janai Purnima.

According to a tradition observed in some parts of the country including Bhaktapur district, farmers reach their farmland early in the morning on the day, offer pooja to frogs and feed them various delicacies there.

The tradition, which is called 'Byanja Naka: Banegu' in Newari, is a part of the belief that frogs are perceived to be gods of nature and messengers of the god of rain and will help bring rain and good harvest. Frogs are also believed to help in protecting farmers' crops by devouring harmful insects.

On the other hand, culture activist Om Dhauvadel believes that frogs are worshipped and fed delicacies on the day to wash away sins committed by killing frogs and insects with spades in the course of paddy plantation.

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