Honey Hunting Festival in Nepal

 

The Honey Hunting Festival in Nepal was successfully organized on May 22 at the spectacular Teraha Cliff, Khotang. In coordination with the Koshi Province government, Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality hosted the event using traditional methods and locally crafted equipment passed down through generations. Terawa is just one of the many notable, towering cliffs that define the rugged landscape of Phedi (Ward No. 1, Kepilasgadhi).

This year, expert honey hunters successfully collected honey from nine out of eleven wild hives. Thousands of local visitors and domestic tourists gathered to observe the thrilling harvest and enjoy authentic local cuisine.

A tourist's Queue in the bosom of the Mundum Trail

Local hunters have been harvesting wild honey twice a year for decades. This festival was organized with the dual purpose of preserving this ancient tradition and promoting eco-tourism in the region. Specifically, the event helps put a spotlight on the Mundum Trail, which is enlisted one of the 100 tourist destinations designated by the Government of Nepal. Standing at the foot of the vertical cliff of Terawa located at the same foothills, looking up, it is amazing. The sight of people climbing in the traditional style in that beautiful atmosphere was truly amazing. The geography of Kepilasgadhi is ideal for wild bees, with numerous hives found across cliffs like Teraha, Makhamla, and Kuhire Bhir.

Showcasing Sampang Rai culture

Beyond the adventure of the harvest, Phedi is deeply rooted in rich Sampang Rai culture. The Sampang Rai community has its own distinct language, traditions, and lifestyle. The festival provided a unique cultural exchange platform, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Rai hospitality and cultural performances alongside the honey hunting exhibition.

Continuing Traditional technique

Hunting bees is not an option where wasps and wasps are at stake. No modern equipment is used, instead a special rope ladder (paryang) made from Bambo peel found in the local forest is used. The hunters hang around with Paryang, dalo and dabilo. This task involves an attractive division of labor among team members:

Panyange: The main adventure character who collects honey by hanging on a rope ladder swinging in the air, close to the beehives.

Sutare: The person responsible for carrying the items needed by the Panyange such as dalo, dabilo and jotaro down through the parrot (rope) sitting on top of the beehive.

Helpers: sitting on the floor to collect honey, pour it into pots and use smoke to drive away the bees to help the team. the team

A rare and valuable Himalayan commodity

Despite being a deeply ingrained cultural tradition and a lucrative source of income, traditional honey hunting is becoming increasingly rare. Wild cliff honey is a premium product with massive demand both in Nepal and international markets due to its medicinal properties.This honey is not only for the local Bazar, Dharan and Kathmandu, but it is exported to overseas countries like UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

Wild Honey: Important Health Advisory:

Because wild honey is highly potent (often referred to as “mad honey”), consumers are advised to take less than one teaspoon at one time. Over consumption can lead to nausea and vomiting, depending on an individual’s sensitivity.