Madhyapur Thimi revives Malla-era warrior tradition
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Residents of Madhyapur Thimi, a city in Nepal, commemorated the ‘Kha: Pihanwaigu’ festival on the 11th day of Dashain, recalling battles from the Malla dynasty period.
Local Guthis, traditional community groups, organised a procession through the town, with participants dressed as warriors and carrying ceremonial weapons like swords and shields. The parade started at the Dyo Chhen of Taleju Bhawani, once part of the Thimi state’s royal palace, and moved through Thahneya and Kohneya neighbourhoods, showing culturally important items.
The celebration honours a martial past and includes a ritual at Balkumari Temple where participants strike a pumpkin. People believe that taking a piece of the pumpkin home offers protection from sickness and bad luck. The ‘Kha: Pihanwaigu’ festival has been held annually to preserve this cultural heritage and local beliefs.
