Mustang, September 7 The traditional Falo festival celebrated by the local Thaka

From Onlinekhabar English

Mustang, September 7 The traditional Falo festival celebrated by the local Thakali community began on Sunday in Thini village of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-3 in Mustang. The festival is known as “Falo” in the local Thakali language because it is celebrated every year during the month of Bhadra (August–September). Thini village, regarded as the ancestral homeland of the Thakali community, is considered significant for its historical, religious and cultural heritage. According to residents, the Falo festival has been celebrated in the village for generations, dating back to the time when a Thakali king ruled the area. Various religious and cultural activities are held in Thini village over the two-day festival. On the eve of the festival, village lamas perform a special nature worship ceremony, after which residents receive their blessings. As the lamas leave for the nature worship ceremony, local women traditionally bid them farewell by presenting khadas and placing flower garlands around them as a mark of respect. According to local lama Shyam Prasad Thakali, the Thakali community worships the mountains as manifestations of the gods during the Falo festival.