Toranla

Toranla is a very Thakali thing. It is characterized by ancestor worship, merry-making, gambling and archery. Basically Toranla is to Thakali what Thanksgiving is to Americans. The main idea behind this festival is to pay homage and respect to their ancestors and not forget where the newer generation have arrived from. Toranla festival goes on for 3 days which is full of archery competitions for males and playing a pebble game called "Koi" for females. Here is a breakdown of the three days of Toranla: Day 1: Women prepare food and liquor and clean their houses. The ancestors are given special attention and served delicious foods. Basically it is the day of the elders and their children thank them for reproducing ;) Men shoot arrows and women play the gambling game of Koi. Day 2: The married women return to their homes and all the family members eat delicious food together, get drunk even. The women are presented with silverware by the other family members. Again, archery and Koi are played on all 3 days. Day 3: This day is reserved for the guest and friends. All the friends invite each other to their houses and have a feast. Not to forget archery, drinking, koi and gambling. Toranla is celebrated on the full moon of the first month of Thakali calendar which usually corresponds to March in the Gregorian calendar. It coincides with Fagu Purnima (Holi festival) of the lowlands where people play with colors and water.