Two local governments in Kaski have declared a public holiday on Tuesday on the occasion of the indigenous Gurung festival Thoten. Madi Rural Municipality and Annapurna Rural Municipality announced a holiday in their offices and educational institutions to mark the festival.
The Gurung community celebrates Thoten on the last Tuesday of the Nepali months of Shrawan and Chaitra. Madi Rural Municipality Chairperson Devijung Gurung issued a notice on Monday stating that all municipal offices, subordinate offices, and educational institutions would remain closed. He also mentioned that in historic villages such as Sikles within the municipality, the traditional practice of “Gaun Warne” (village protection ritual) is still observed on Tuesdays in Chaitra.
According to him, it is believed that no activities harmful to nature should be carried out on the day of “Gaun Warne,” as doing so may anger nature and invite misfortune.
Similarly, Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bishnu Bahadur KC said the holiday was granted to celebrate the Thoten festival in a grand manner.
On the same occasion, Phedikhola Rural Municipality in Syangja has also declared a public holiday. Hum Bahadur Gurung, Chairperson of Tamu Dhin Kaski, stressed that the federal government should include the festival in the national calendar and grant a nationwide holiday. Preparations are underway in Kaski to celebrate the festival with a goodwill rally and various cultural programs.
Gurung communities in Kaski, across Nepal, and abroad are celebrating Thoten on Tuesday. In the Gurung language, “Tho” means state or village, and “Ten” means driving away enemies from the state, symbolizing prayers for the protection and prosperity of the community.
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