Tradition of red clay houses fading

By Santosh Subedi

Pakhribas (Dhankuta), Oct. 13: With the arrival of Dashain, one of Nepal’s major festivals, villagers traditionally used to decorate their homes with red clay, khato (reddish-brown earth), and kamero (white clay). However, the age-old practice of coating and painting houses with natural materials is gradually disappearing in rural areas.

The tradition is fading as more people construct houses using cement and concrete and turn to modern paints instead of traditional clay coatings.

Dashain is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Nepal. It is customary for people to wear new clothes, prepare special dishes, and receive blessings from elders. Decorating and cleaning homes before the festival has long been an important part of the celebrations.