The customary Siruwa or the Judshital festival is celebrated with much fervour in the districts of the Tarai Madhes on Thursday.

The festival, which formally started on Wednesday, is observed today with the oldest person in the family sprinkling the holy water and flower petals offered to the clan deity on the heads of the family members in blessing and partaking the auspicious sweets and cookies. The family elders give blessings to the younger members for their health and happiness. 

The holy water is also sprinkled over the plants and on the foot of the trees around the house in the belief that doing this would provide peace and coolness. 

Special delicacies like Bari and Karahi are cooked and eaten on the occasion. The youngsters splash mud at each other in celebration. A variety of cultural programmes are also held on this day. RSS