Village swings sustain Dashain amidst changing customs
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In Ramechhap, Nepal, people are revitalizing the traditional linge ping swings during the Dashain festival as other customs decline.
Families returning to their ancestral villages for Dashain are drawn to the swings, which offer entertainment for children and evoke memories for older generations. Himal Dhungel of Khandadevi Rural Municipality notes that while practices like house-whitewashing and traditional music are becoming less common, the swings remain a central attraction. The swings also serve as important community spaces.
Pradeepraj Subedi from Manthali Municipality explains that the swings encourage face-to-face interaction at a time when digital technology often isolates people. He believes the festival provides an opportunity to strengthen social bonds, especially as young people leave remote villages. Furthermore, younger generations are documenting their experiences with the swings through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Sagarhari Adhikari of Manthali Municipality says these posts share village culture with wider audiences and help preserve traditions.
The linge ping is thus adapting to modern life, allowing villagers to maintain a connection to their heritage while sharing it with the world.
