The Thakali community, mostly in Myagdi and Mustang, are celebrating their major festival, the Toran Lha (Phagu Purnima) festival today.

Believed to be a population of 11,000 people living in various parts of Nepal, the Thakali community celebrates the traditional Toran Lha festival every year on the occasion of Phagu Poornima. 

Sundarman Sherchan, the chair of the Thakali Sewa Samiti Beni, said that it is customary to celebrate Toran Lha, which begins the day before Phagu Purnima, for three days. The festival is observed by remembering the ancestors, worshipping them and inviting relatives for a feast and playing archery.

Kowang in Thasang Rural Municipality of Mustang is considered the origin of the Thakali community. The Thakali community is predominantly settled in Gharpajhong and Thasang Rural Municipalities, with many settled in the market areas of Dana, Bhurung Tatopani, Beni, Darwang and other areas of Myagdi. 

Thakali people who are away from home and abroad have returned to their birthplace to celebrate Toran Lha. 

On the occasion, men of the Thakali community enjoy themselves by playing the traditional archery. Women celebrate Toran Lha by dressing up in traditional costumes, dancing and singing, and exchanging greetings. 

Meanwhile, the taro shooting or archery competition organized by the Thakali Sewa Samiti Beni has started in Beni from Sunday. 

Since it is election time this year, only members of the Thakali community are gathering to celebrate Toran Lha by following the election code of conduct, said Shankarman Sherchan of the Thakali Sewa Samiti