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'The Kholey Dai Celebrations' is the annual community rice harvest festival celebrated in Parengtar. The purpose of the festival is to revive and re-establish the age-old tradition of the community’s culture conducive to paddy harvesting, generally known as 'Dai' in Nepali. This festival is organized by the Parengtar Nawlo Umanga Welfare Society in association with Muhaan, CafeKalimpong and Warnamala Pariwar . With time such traditions have faded, hence the ‘Kholey Dai Celebrations' is an initiative to re-engage the community in activities which will reaffirm the values of our culture as a whole. It aims to promote cultural exchanges that will foster long term partnership with stakeholders. This event is therefore an excellent opportunity for visitors to participate and immerse themselves in our authentic village culture, while undeniably being a wonderful prospect for the residents of Parengtar to preserve their cultural essence.
LOCATION -
Parengtar is a small village located at the Indo-Bhutan border in Patangodak Gram Panchayat under Gorubathan Block, Kalimpong, West Bengal. The village is easily distinguishable, perched on a plateau adorned by green paddy fields. Though Parengtar is still largely unknown, the village has a strong and ambitious community. The community is determined to bring Parengtar to the forefront as a clean model village with strong cultural roots. It is believed that the village came into being in the late 19th century by clearing a Pareng forest (a certain type of bamboo).
LOCATION -Parengtar is a small village located at the Indo-Bhutan border in Patangodak Gram Panchayat under Gorubathan Block, Kalimpong, West Bengal. The village is easily distinguishable, perched on a plateau adorned by green paddy fields. Though Parengtar is still largely unknown, the village has a strong and ambitious community. The community is determined to bring Parengtar to the forefront as a clean model village with strong cultural roots. It is believed that the village came into being in the late 19th century by clearing a Pareng forest (a certain type of bamboo).
- To promote and preserve traditional culture and pass it to new generations
- To spread awareness about the importance of agriculture and farming practices in the hills and ensure it's continuity
- To create new livelihood opportunities for villages in the form of community-based tourism
- Promote cultural exchanges
- To create a platform for various folk art practitioners to display their art forms
- To create a model of zero waste event which completely is based on local natural resources.
- Promote sustainable rural tourism in remote villages of Kalimpong.
- Foster long-term partnerships with different stakeholders
Showcase of cultural heritage, rural tourism and music in a community-centric model is what makes this festival stand out from all other festivals.
Arts and CultureThe festival aims to give a greater platform for practitioners of dying folk cultures of the area like Maruni dance, Silli Dance, Tamang Selo, Palam Geet and all sorts of unique folk forms of various communities of the hills.
The festival is aimed to curate a definitive folk music line-up consisting of artisits from Nepal,Sikkim,Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Manipur and Assam. Folk artists from India and overseas will also get a platform to showcase their talents.
Rural Tourism and Agro TourismThe festival is a great example of an authentic rural tourism model, where the whole village of Parengtar becomes a common ground to showcase the unique features of a rural lifestyle. The core concept of the festival itself is derived from the agricultural practices of Parengtar which is aimed to motivate the farmers and the farming culture.
Cultural HeritageCelebration of the cultural heritage of our hills with all generations is at the heart of our festival. Engaging in traditional rites, customs and skills, offers a platform to pass knowledge and experience on to the next generation. Every villager here is a storyteller, collectively weaving memories and experiences creating a tapestry of the village’s heritage and history. Interacting with the villagers will allow the visitors a deeper perspective of the village while allowing them to observe their roots.
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
A greater part of the festival also goes into training the locals of the area in various skills which opens up newer avenues in livelihood. The festival becomes a training ground for the locals in tourism, handicrafts, event management, waste management, marketing, etc. The local home-stays, stalls, guides, craftsmen and women, and artists all get the opportunity to earn livelihood during the event and also beyond it. Special art-based workshops are also curated for the local youth and children to motivate their creative expression.
A greater part of the festival also goes into training the locals of the area in various skills which opens up newer avenues in livelihood. The festival becomes a training ground for the locals in tourism, handicrafts, event management, waste management, marketing, etc. The local home-stays, stalls, guides, craftsmen and women, and artists all get the opportunity to earn livelihood during the event and also beyond it. Special art-based workshops are also curated for the local youth and children to motivate their creative expression.
How can you help us?
In order fulfill our dream and to organize this festival again this year we need you support.
Your contributions will enable us to-
1) Bring local folk artists from Kalimpong and Darjeeling and also renowned folk artists from Northeast and Nepal.
2) Create a complete eco-friendly and zero waste event by using local natural resources. From the stage to the whole event setup, everything will serve as a role model in terms of sustainable event. The budget for the whole sections is Rs 2 Lacs.
Every contribution of yours will bring us one step closer to our dream, the dream of giving our heritage the place it deserves and a way forward for the community of Parengtar.
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