Kathmandu: Today, Shrawan 15th in the Lunar calendar, is being celebrated in Nepali society by eating kheer or rice pudding.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the tradition is associated with the abundance of milk produced by cows and buffaloes during this time of year, as they have more green fodder due to the rainy season. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam, a theologian and former chair of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, explains that with the completion of farming activities, including paddy plantation, it is customary to prepare kheer and share it with friends and family. This practice is also believed to be beneficial for health.
Kheer, a staple of this celebration, is prepared using ingredients like rice, savdhana, sewai, corn, and carrots. The Nepali Brihat Sabdakosh defines kheer as ‘rice cooked in milk, or a delicious food made by cooking rice with milk sugar and spices.’
The National Dairy Development Board also marks Shrawan 15 as Kheer Eating Day or Kheer Day, highlighting the cultural
and nutritional significance of this traditional dish.