On 15 Ashar 2082 (29 June 2025), MayaKo Pahichan Nepal, in collaboration with LEAD Nepal, Inclusive Forum Nepal, and allied GSM/LGBTI organizations, successfully organized the 2nd Ropain Jatra – Queer Edition at Hotel Suva, Baudha, Kathmandu. Sponsored by Dakini Hospitality, the event brought together over 250 participants — including community members from across Nepal, allies, media representatives and local government officials— for a joyous, land-rooted cultural celebration embracing agriculture, the monsoon season, and gender and sexual diversity.
The day unfolded with a sense of both festivity and purpose. The inclusive rice planting rituals were a highlight, where people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations planted rice side by side, their hands in the mud symbolizing unity, renewal, and connection to the land. This was followed by the much-anticipated Dahi-Chiura Feast, where participants enjoyed traditional flavors while exchanging personal and cultural stories of diversity, reinforcing the bonds between tradition and identity.
Throughout the afternoon, the air was filled with rhythm, color, and laughter. Cultural performances — from Ropain songs to Maruni dances and comedic acts — brought an electric energy to the event, showcasing how queer pride can live vibrantly within Nepal’s artistic heritage. The Mud-Splash Photo Booth became a playful arena for capturing the spirit of the monsoon, while music and dance merged traditional beats with contemporary queer pride energy, creating a space of joy, resistance, and cultural pride.
The purpose of Ropain Jatra extended beyond mere celebration. It served as a ritual of dignity and self-definition, challenging the cultural colonialism of a one-size-fits-all global “Pride” model. By rooting the festival in Nepali languages, traditions, and agricultural rituals, the event demonstrated that gender and sexual diversity thrives naturally within the heart of our cultural heritage. This reimagining of Pride — mud-smeared, joyous, and in sync with the heartbeat of the monsoon — offered a powerful counter-narrative to imported forms of visibility.
The impact of the event was significant. Local and national media coverage amplified the message of Nepali-style Pride to a wide audience. International attendees experienced Nepal’s queer culture in an authentically local setting, fostering solidarity and cross-cultural understanding. Most importantly, participants expressed a deepened sense of empowerment, affirming both their identities and their heritage in a safe, celebratory, and inclusive environment.
MayaKo Pahichan Nepal extends heartfelt gratitude to Dakini Hospitality for their generous sponsorship, and to all co-organizers, volunteers, performers, and community members whose contributions made this celebration a resounding success.
In conclusion, the 2nd Ropain Jatra – Queer Edition has reaffirmed that Nepal’s gender and sexual minority communities can create powerful, inclusive, and culturally-rooted celebrations. It stands as a proud example of how traditional festivals can be reimagined to reflect the diversity and resilience of Nepal — without losing their soul. The organizers look forward to expanding this celebration in the coming years, establishing it as an annual landmark event for Queer Nepal and an inspiration for communities around the world.