SIKKIM: A well meaning tradition


Gangtok: “Bethi”, an important cultural tradition of Nepali community, is observed during paddy planting in the month of “ASAR (July)” by old-timers. This was something like Jharlangi system, the tradition of the landlords giving some cereals to land tillers in lieu of working in the field.

This was said by Mr. C. B. Karki, Minister for Rural Management & Development in a programme organized at Mengli bazaar of South Sikkim to observe Bethi. He said though it is a tradition, it should not be limited in concept. Instead, it should be seen as the way of livelihood.
Now-a-days cultivation is very important for our livelihood and it should be accepted as a source of income, Mr. Karki said. He emphasized that Bethi can be converted and developed as a tourism feature to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Yangyang block development officer, also addressed the meeting. He said paddy planting is not only our cultural tradition but a means of our livelihood. To conserve this tradition we should observe this event every year. This culture will involve and with the support of farmers.

Mr. Parasmani Dangal, president of Press club of Sikkim, also addressed the programme. He emphasized on the importance of cultivation. Bishnu Neopaney, a farmer, said the state government is facilitating farmers in various ways. He maintained that the facilities provided by the government should be utilized in proper way to enhance our production.

On the occasion, a group of farmers who recently completed the training organized by RMDD did paddy planting by singing Behti and Asharey with Naumati baja.

[FROM SIKKIM REPORTER / EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]