PARMA
Parma is the word that is typically used in Eastern Nepali culture which
means the reciprocal exchange of labor in work. In Parma people helps to
complete others work so that they can call them in their work. It is not only
about work it promotes the fraternity between neighbor. It is implemented in
the concept of one for all and all for one. Specially, Parma is used in
agricultural work just like planting millets, corn, barely and other cereals as
well as weeding in them. It is means of entertaining and having joy in team
while doing work. They make a team of men and women and wait for monsoon in
Eastern Nepal, as it started to rain from mid June to August, they started to
plant millets and weeds them in October and November with a group of people,
which is called Parma. Parma is concerned with day to day life of indigenous
people of Eastern Nepal. It is a tradition and culture which reflects team work
and gratitude of Nepali People. The history of Parma is not clearly noted but
it is said that it was developed,, in Newari culture. But is sure that it was
started when barter system was prevailed in history.
The beginning of Parma starts from making a group of people which is called
Hul Badhne in Nepali. In this process the girls who is also called
Cheli, collects few amount of money and buys cigarette and betel nut and offer some boys and the boys becomes the
Maiti of that group. And that
cheli and
maiti becomes the members of that group who is going to work together for a month. The group generally consist of around 11
maitis and around 21
chelis, it may differ from group to group also.
Before to start, their field work, they organize a small party called, Rotirakshi, collecting money by both, this time. They collect firewood, rice and other necessary things for Rotirakshi and celebrates whole night by singing and dancing and also they make turn wise schedule to work in field turn by turn. The main eating items is known as Roti or bread and raksi the local wine. As the rain started, they seems in field, boys plough the field with the help of spade where girls plants the millets. In this way they work together for month. In the middle of month they again organize party which is called, Hukai, collecting money, in Hukai they specially eat meat and other eating items. They took Hukai as to maintain energy level for remaining work. Simply, in Parma, girls who is also known as Cheli needs to carry the spade of boys or Maitis everyday. After completing the work of a day, they sing and dance and enjoy the day work and forget the hard labor of that day.
After completing the work in the field, at last they again organize small party called, Bishaune, means rest. In Bishaune, they review their work of the whole month and eat delicious food. After Bishaune, they disperse the group.
Finally, Parma is not only the reciprocal exchange of work in eastern Nepal, It is also the culture of helping each other. It teaches us teamwork, understanding and the values of team mates.
Entomology:
Rotirakshi: celebration where bread and local wine is served as main dishes.
Hul Badhne: creating a group of people, who works together.
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