Praying for Sunshine: Nepal's Southern Plains Seek Relief during Chhath Festival

In the wake of a catastrophic drought, followed by severe flooding within a span of three months, residents of Nepal's southern plains have turned to prayer during the Chhath festival. This yearly event, dedicated to the Sun deity, sees devotees appealing for relief from nature's wrath.

Madhesh Province, often dubbed the breadbasket of Nepal, struggles as it relies heavily on erratic rainfall for crop cultivation. A recent report by Nepal Rastra Bank underscores the province's dependency on agriculture, projecting its GDP at NPR 707 billion. As traditional rituals unfold, local families, hopeful for a better future, continue to pray for timely rains.

This year's Chhath festivities carry greater weight with communities affected by unpredictable weather patterns. Devotees like Arsiya and Prem Chaudhary have been performing rituals with fervor, hopeful for prosperity and the well-being of their families, as the festival gains Cultural significance across Nepal.