Dashain tradition of plastering homes with red soil fades in Dhankuta

With the growing use of cement and modern market paints, the tradition of plastering homes with red soil, kamero (white clay) and khoto before Dashain is disappearing in Dhankuta.

In the past, as Dashain approached, there used to be a rush in villages to find soil for plastering houses. Crowds would gather at spots known for chimtiya and red soil.

Family members would work together to clean the walls, plaster them with soil, apply kamero, and rub khoto on doors and windows. This work of sprucing up the house was considered an integral part of Dashain preparations.

Over time, the very style of house construction has changed.