Tarai: The Judshital festival is being observed in the Tarai madhes region today, marking a significant cultural event for the local communities. The festival spans two days, beginning on New Year Day with the celebration known as Satuwain, followed by Judshital on the second day. Although some people consider Judshital to be a component of Satuwain, both days hold distinct cultural importance.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Satuwain involves the preparation and consumption of a special flour made from seven varieties of legumes and cereals, accompanied by homemade syrup. These offerings are first presented to family deities and then distributed among priests, Brahmins, and sages before being shared with family members and relatives. The festival features a unique ritual where elders sprinkle holy water over younger family members to wish them health, longevity, and calmness.
In Mithila homes, Judshital is one of the few festivals dedicated to the worship of family deities. Cuisines prepared for the occasion are offered to these deities, with a special emphasis on the use of curd, reflecting its importance in keeping the body cool as the summer season begins. Traditional dishes made from gram flour, raw banana, and gourd are enjoyed during this time, believed to aid digestion and provide a cooling effect.
Maheshwor Raya, an expert on Maithili folk culture and a former administrator, explained that the special dishes mark the arrival of the summer season. The Mithila community also anticipates the monsoon, a crucial time for planting, by splashing mud on each other. Additionally, plants and trees around homes are watered to prevent dryness.
Kameshwor Jha, a resident of Dhamaura in Balawa-10, shared that the festival’s main message is to wish for a successful planting and harvest season. The event is celebrated with enthusiasm across all castes and communities in the Mithila region, fostering social bonds through the exchange of greetings and communal feasting.