Mud, Celebration and Dread: Nepali Farmers Brace for an Uncertain Monsoon

Jun 30, 2026

Hundreds of farmers gathered in Sindhuli, Nepal, to celebrate National Paddy Day, marking the beginning of the monsoon paddy planting season with traditional mud festivities, oxen-led ploughing, and the vibrant Ropain festival. While the celebrations reflected Nepal's rich agricultural heritage, concerns over a weaker monsoon due to the El Niño phenomenon cast a shadow over the occasion. Local authorities have stepped up irrigation support by distributing motors and pipes to help farmers cope with anticipated water shortages. As Nepal prepares for below-average rainfall and higher temperatures, the festival also highlights the growing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture. Watch how tradition and resilience come together in the face of an uncertain monsoon.