Ancient curd-splashing festival (Photo Feature)

People in Tauthali observed the curd-splashing festival, a ritual held the day after Vijaya Dashami, on Wednesday. The celebration begins with an offering of curd to the local goddess Tripurasundari in the Tripurasundari Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok district.

Believed to have started in the 13th century during the Malla dynasty, this unique tradition is practiced exclusively in Tauthali at the temple of goddess Tripurasundari every year, according to local activist Bishnu Kumar Shrestha.

At the end of the festival, participants are covered head to toe in curd, making it difficult to walk, as the entire area becomes slippery.

About 10 years ago, the sheer amount of curd splashed during the ritual would create streams of curd flowing through the area. However, the quantity has diminished in recent years as fewer farmers are rearing cattle.