‘Bhitoula’ festival begins in the Far West, strengthening sibling bonds

Dadeldhura: With the arrival of Chaitra, the Bhitoula festival has commenced across the Far West, including Baitadi.

Bhitoula, a festival of love between siblings, is widely celebrated in Baitadi, Darchula, Bajhang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, and even in neighboring Indian villages. During this festival, families send their brothers or relatives to visit their married daughters. The tradition of meeting daughters begins today, coinciding with the dry month of Chaitra, when food stocks in households start depleting. As a result, families not only visit their daughters but also bring food and essential supplies.

According to Janaki Bhatta of Patan Municipality-10, the significance of Bhitoula has been increasing, with younger generations continuing this age-old tradition. "Unlike other cultural traditions that are fading, Bhitoula remains strong. If siblings don’t meet during this festival, they feel a deep sense of sadness," she said.

A popular folktale from Kumaon, India, tells the story of a brother who promised to visit his sister in Chaitra but failed to do so due to his busy schedule. This custom of visiting sisters-in-law and daughters-in-law is believed to have originated from this story. During these visits, family members bring sweet delicacies and clothes as gifts, which are then shared with neighbors and the community, said Jograj Bhatt of Alital Rural Municipality-8.

Historically, people were occupied with farming and household responsibilities, and due to the lack of communication, family members often went an entire year without meeting. Muralidhar Awasthi, a Sanskrit expert, explains that springtime intensifies a daughter-in-law’s longing for her family, making this festival especially meaningful.

During Bhitoula, families traditionally gift Selroti, Kheer, Malpua, Halwa, Jaggery, Mishri, fruits, clothes, and even jewelry according to their financial capability. In modern times, people also bring market-bought sweets, fruits, and Jaggery. While sisters typically visit their parents’ home on Bhai Tika, Bhitoula is the time when brothers visit their married sisters. In households without brothers, relatives fulfill this tradition.

The festival also carries a spiritual significance, as it is widely believed that offering gifts to daughters in Chaitra brings good fortune. It is customary for brothers to stay overnight at their sister’s home, reinforcing strong emotional bonds between siblings.