Aug 28, Kathmandu- The Lumbini state government has declared a public holiday today on the occasion of the 'Atawari' festival of the Tharu caste.

The state government has given a public holiday only to the community celebrating the 'Atawari' festival. Similarly, 4 local levels of Dang district have also given public holidays on the occasion of Atawari, the festival of the Tharu community. Tulsipur sub-metropolitan city, Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city, Rapti rural municipality, and Dangisharan rural municipality have given holidays on the occasion of 'Atawari' festival celebrated by the Tharu caste.

The Tharu community says that the Tharu community has a tradition of celebrating this festival by worshiping the sun after the birth of the sun and brightening the world. This is the second biggest festival of the Tharu community.