Modern farming displaces Bethi

By Santosh Subedi, Pakhribas (Dhankuta), July 25: The centuries-old tradition of Bethi, a collective paddy plantation practice accompanied by folk songs and community celebrations, is gradually disappearing from the eastern hill districts, including Dhankuta, as modernisation transforms agriculture and rural lifestyles.

With the arrival of the Nepali month of Ashar (mid-June to mid-July), farmers traditionally began paddy transplantation by ploughing fields with oxen while singing Ashare Bhaka and working together in the muddy fields. The collective planting, known as Bethi, was not only an agricultural activity but also a vibrant cultural celebration that strengthened social bonds among villagers.

However, mechanisation of farming and the growing attraction of foreign employment among youths and the decline of collective farming practices have pushed the tradition towards extinction.

According to Tara Bahadur Thapa of Bhirgaun, Dhankuta, the influence of modern lifestyles and changing socio-economic conditions has significantly reduced the practice of Ashare Bhaka and Bethi.

"Young people are losing interest in preserving our cultural traditions. Ashare Bhaka was not just a form of entertainment; it also inspired farmers and made the hard work of rice planting enjoyable," he said.

In the past, villagers would carry curd, beaten rice, bananas, cucumbers, mangoes and other snacks to the fields, turning the rice plantation into a festive gathering. During the plantation, workers expressed their joy, love and even sorrows through songs known locally as ‘Rasiya’ in eastern Nepal.

Likewise, Devi Maya Karki, a resident of the same village, recalled that Bethi represented a spirit of cooperation, with villagers gathering to transplant rice together while Naumati musicians played traditional tunes. The day would end with a communal feast, reflecting the strong sense of mutual support that once united rural communities.

She said it was also customary to invite married daughters back to their parental homes during the rice plantation season, making the occasion a family reunion as well as an agricultural activity.

Farmers say the shortage of agricultural labour has become a major challenge. Earlier, villagers willingly participated in Bethi without expecting wages, but now farmers struggle to find workers even after offering competitive pay.

Nagendra Rana Magar, Chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Dhankuta, said efforts are being made to preserve the Bethi tradition and the cultural heritage associated with Ashare Bhaka.

"Although it may not be possible to revive the tradition in its original form, initiatives are underway to protect and promote this important cultural practice," he said.