Communities in Jumla, Dolpa and several other districts of Karnali Province observed Chhora Tihar (literally son Tihar) on Sunday, a centuries-old festival in which sons receive blessings from their mothers. The festival falls on Poush Shukla Pratipada, nearly two months after Bhaitika—the nationwide celebration marking the bond between brothers and sisters.

In contrast to Bhaitika, where sisters apply a multi-coloured tika to their brothers’ foreheads, Chhora Tihar is centred around the mother–son relationship. Mothers place akshata on their sons’ foreheads, adorn them with garlands, and offer traditional dishes as sagun.

After receiving tika, sons bow at their mother’s feet and present gifts—often money or clothing—as dakshina, seeking blessings for peace, longevity and progress.

Sons living outside the district often travel home for the occasion. Those unable to return increasingly take blessings via phone or video calls, while mothers set aside food and gifts for them at home.

Communal celebration is also a hallmark of the festival. After the morning rituals, men gather to play bhailo—a traditional performance similar to deusi in Bhaitika. They visit households across the village, singing and dancing. The grains, rice and money collected are used to repair communal facilities such as taps, trails and resting places; any surplus is spent on a shared feast.

Women, meanwhile, gather in public spaces to sing Deuda, share jokes and exchange stories.

Ramananda Upadhyaya, a resident of Tripurasundari Municipality-1, said Chhora Tihar is observed only in a few districts of Karnali and carries a rich history, though its vibrancy has faded. “Earlier, most people lived in the villages, and the celebrations were lively. Now many have moved to towns or gone elsewhere for work, so the festival is quieter,” he said. He added that declining interest among younger generations has also contributed to the festival’s gradual fading.

Unlike those with mothers to offer blessings, sons who have lost their mothers visit local shrines and receive tika and akshata from priests.

While Bhaitika, as observed across the country, symbolises the sister–brother bond with prayers for protection and prosperity, Chhora Tihar reflects Karnali’s distinct maternal tradition—one maintained through shared memory, community rituals and enduring cultural ties.