Old tradition of drying paddy on Bhaktapur's streets returns

With the paddy harvest season underway, the old sight of paddy spread out to dry on roadsides, in front of houses and in open spaces has reappeared in Bhaktapur's settlements. During this Dashain-Tihar period, farmers are busy drying, sorting and storing paddy.

According to local resident Manisha Machamasi, who was drying paddy, the sight of paddy drying on the roads during festivals is nothing new for Bhaktapur. She said that since most houses previously had tile roofs unsuitable for spreading paddy on rooftops, farmers have long used the streets and spaces in front of houses instead.

Even as homes and lifestyles have modernized, the practice continues, though paddy spread on the roads makes walking difficult for pedestrians.