Parengtar's 'Kholey Dai' Festival Celebrates Cultural Heritage and Community Spirit

Photo: Gitika Tamang

KalimNews, Kalimpong, December 13, 2024 – The village of Parengtar, located at the Indo-Bhutan border in Kalimpong's Gorubathan Block, has come alive with its annual rice harvest and music festival, "Kholey Dai." Organized by the Parengtar Nawlo Umanga Welfare Society in collaboration with Muhaan, Backwoods Adventure Camp, and Cafe Kalimpong, the event aims to revive and preserve the community’s cultural traditions, particularly those tied to rice harvesting.

Photo: Gitika Tamang

The fourth edition of the "Kholey Dai" festival has kicked off with much fanfare and gaiety, drawing attention to the rich cultural heritage of this small but vibrant village. Situated on a plateau surrounded by lush green paddy fields, Parengtar is a small yet determined community. The village, whose name is derived from the "Pareng" bamboo, has its roots in the late 19th century when it was established by clearing a Pareng forest. Despite being largely unknown to the outside world, the village is focused on becoming a model for sustainable living, with a strong commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

The "Kholey Dai" festival stands out for its deep connection to the history of the village. The term "Kholey" refers to a rice porridge traditionally eaten by the sick and poor, and the festival is a tribute to the hardships endured by Parengtar’s ancestors. In times of poverty, early residents of the village, who borrowed money from local moneylenders to cultivate their fields, were often left with little to harvest. The remaining rice was processed in a ritual known as "Khole Dai," where the villagers danced in the rice fields to separate the residual grains, and were then served "Kholey." This humble tradition symbolizes the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.

Photo: Gitika Tamang

Kholey Dai is quite different from the traditional Khaley Dai, which involves separating paddy from its stalk in the Khaley Gara, the largest area of the paddy field, specially prepared for the process by plastering it with cow dung for the Khaley Dai, or simply Dai.

Since its inception in 2020, "Kholey Dai" has grown into a vibrant festival that not only honors the past but also promotes the revival of traditional farming practices. What makes this festival truly unique is the active involvement of the local community in every stage of its planning and execution. The event is part of a broader community tourism initiative that aims to integrate every aspect of the village into the tourism experience. Local resources are used effectively, promoting a cyclic economy, and the villagers themselves offer accommodation in their homes as homestays for visitors attending the festival.

In addition to preserving cultural traditions, the festival contributes to the welfare of the village, with a portion of the revenue going towards community development. The three-day festival, which started on December 13, has been packed with activities for all ages. Highlights include the opening of the "Dai" and an introduction to "Kholey Dai," clay and watercolor art workshops for children, cultural performances such as the Parengtar Girls Dance and Khukri Dance Binayo, and workshops on indigenous farming techniques and indigenous, traditional seeds. There are also performances by local bands like Prajit & Sangi, and a "Meet the Artist" session featuring Sofiyum.

The second day of the festival, December 14, promises to be equally exciting with birdwatching, traditional cultural displays, and a variety of workshops, including woodcut printmaking and Kirati food workshops. Visitors will also enjoy performances by local groups such as the Koch Rabha Group, Lepcha Dance, and the Newari Dhimi Dance, along with a special session on beekeeping and indigenous seeds farms.

                                                              Photo: Rinchen Wangdi Lama

The final day, December 15, will include more birdwatching, a neurographic art session, and performances by the Oraon Tribal Dance, Shyamlal by Arawaltar Group, and Maruni Performance. The festival will conclude with a session on the conservation of indigenous farming practices.

Through "Kholey Dai," the village of Parengtar not only celebrates its history but also showcases the strength of its community and its commitment to preserving its cultural and agricultural heritage for future generations. As the village embraces community tourism, the festival has become an important step towards integrating Parengtar into the broader cultural landscape, while ensuring that its traditions continue to thrive.