Shrawan 15: Khir Khane Din (Pudding Eating Day)

Shrawan 15, also known as Khir Khane Din (Rice Pudding Eating Day), has cultural and historic significance in Nepalese society. While Ashar 15 is mostly associated with rice growing and farmers, Shrawan 15's Khir festival is more religious, seasonal, and ritualistic, with a focus on the month of Lord Shiva.

Historically, Nepalese society has relied significantly on agriculture, with rice serving as the staple crop and a symbol of life and prosperity. The "Ropain" phase of rice planting, which occurs around Ashar 15, is the most labor-intensive. After weeks of hard field work, communities would gather to taste a simple yet satisfying dish called Khir (sweet rice pudding), which was cooked with newly harvested or stored rice, fresh milk, and sugar. The ritual is thought to have originated centuries ago as a method to provide energy, reward farmers' labor, and enjoy the prospect of a healthy crop. Over time, this became an annual celebration celebrated in both rural and urban Nepal. The sharing of Khir represented appreciation, solidarity, and traditional respect for agriculture.