KATHMANDU, APRIL 15
The Judshital festival, marking the onset of summer, is being observed across the Tarai/Madhes region today.
Celebrated over two days, the festival begins on New Year's Day with Satuwain, followed by Judshital.
The two-day festival begins on the New Year's Day of the Nepali calendar with Satuwain, followed by Judshital on the second day. However, many consider Judshital to be a continuation or integral part of the Satuwain celebration.
On the first day, a special flour mixture made from seven types of legumes and cereals is prepared and consumed along with homemade syrup. These offerings are first dedicated to family deities and then given to priests, Brahmins, and sages before being shared among family members and relatives.
One of the festival's key rituals involves elders sprinkling jal (holy water) over younger family members, wishing them good health, long life, and a gentle disposition.
Judshital is among the few remaining festivals in the Mithila region that involve the worship of household deities. All festive foods prepared on this occasion are first offered to these deities.
As the festival marks the onset of summer, cooling foods are prioritized. Dishes made from gram flour, raw banana, gourd, and curd are commonly consumed, believed to aid digestion and help the body adjust to the rising temperatures.
In line with the spirit of the season, locals also water plants and trees around their homes to prevent them from drying out.
