The Bhume Puja festival in Chimkhola, Ward-7 of Raghuganga Rural Municipality, has become a key attraction for domestic tourism. According to locals, the cultural festival, traditionally celebrated as a form of nature worship, has helped boost internal tourism.
Though Bhume Puja is primarily a nature-worship festival of the Magar community, Chimkhola stands out for its unique and traditional cultural performances during the celebration. Resident Yam Roka shared that both locals and domestic tourists actively participate in the festivities. This year, on Tuesday, rituals were conducted at Bhume and Mandali Bajai, a revered local deity, followed by cultural showcases on Wednesday.
The festival is observed annually on Ujeli Tuesday in the month of Chaitra. A peculiar tradition of the Bhume Puja here involves smearing soot and residues of Chhyang (local liquor) on each other while dancing and singing to please the deity. According to Ward Chairman Thak Prasad Paija, more than 500 people, including locals, Chimkhola residents from across Nepal and abroad, as well as visitors from neighboring villages, participated in the festival at Bhumethan in Sewang village.
“In the past, only local villagers took part in the rituals. Now, the uniqueness of Bhume Puja and its traditional customs attract visitors from nearby villages and internal tourists. Even those living abroad return home to celebrate it as a major festival,” he said. Bhumi Puja has become an integral part of Chimkhola’s cultural identity. Chhyang is considered the primary offering during the puja.
After worshiping at Bhumethan, participants celebrate by smearing soot and Chhyang residues on each other, accompanied by music and dance, which fascinates domestic tourists. Locals believe the ritual helps to please nature, prevent natural disasters, and ensure good harvests. The day after Bhume Puja, a grand cultural festival is held in the village, featuring various traditional performances such as Topa dance by Chhemas, Sarmaja, Jurechalla, and Kalash (water pot) fights between bride and groom groups, along with ancestral and Thali dances.
Ward Chairman Paija mentioned that this year’s Bhume Puja also included sports competitions and a cultural fair, organized by the local Mandali Youth Club. The festival has attracted young people from across the district, as well as Chimkhola residents from different parts of the country and abroad.
