The fifteenth of the third Nepali month Asar Pandra marks the beginning of the crop cultivation session. Known as Ropain Jatra, farmers plant their first rice saplings of the season on this day and celebrate the day with songs, dance, and a fun game of mud splashing. Dahi Chiura, beaten rice and curd are also savored on this day.

Bikram Rai was in Bhaktapur for the festival and this is his photo report.

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Villagers gather to look at farmers plant rice saplings.
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Women enjoy themselves during Asar Pandra. The festival is considered as an auspicious day for planting rice.
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A young woman walks on the rice paddy field in Bhaktapur.
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A woman shields herself from the rain while planting rice.
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The farmers celebrate the cultivation season with a special festival known as Asar Pandra, which takes place at the end of June.