Thakali Community Celebrates Traditional Toran Lho Festival in Myagdi and Mustang

Myagdi. The festive spirit of Toran Lho (Fagu Purnima) has enveloped the minority Thakali community residing in Myagdi and Mustang.

The Thakali community, numbering around 11,000 across various regions of Nepal, celebrates the traditional Toran Lho festival every year on the occasion of Fagu Purnima. Sundarman Sherchan, Chairman of the Thakali Service Committee, Beni Sector, stated that Toran Lho, which begins the day before Fagu Purnima, is traditionally celebrated for three days.

“For three days, one must wake up early, maintain purity, remember the ancestors, perform puja, and offer flowers and Prasad,” he said. “There is a tradition of inviting relatives, feeding them delicious dishes, and playing archery (tāro hāne).”

Kowang in Thasang Rural Municipality, Mustang, is considered the origin of the Thakali community. The Thakali community has a significant presence in Gharpaun and Thasang Rural Municipalities. The Thakali community also resides in market areas like Dana, Bhurung Tatopani, Beni, and Darbang in Myagdi. Thakalis living outside their homes and abroad have returned to their birthplace to celebrate Toran Lho. The Thakali community has decorated their homes for Toran Lho.

On the occasion of the Toran Lho festival, Thakali men enjoy themselves by playing the traditional archery game. Women celebrate Toran Lho by dressing in traditional attire, dancing, playing Gota (a traditional game), and exchanging good wishes. An archery competition organized by the Thakali Service Committee, Beni Sector, began in Beni on Sunday. Shankarman Sherchan of the Thakali Service Committee stated that this year, due to the election period, the Toran Lho festival is being celebrated by gathering only Thakali community members, adhering to the election code of conduct.