Saturday photo blog: British girls and boys and locals of Ghattitaar village of Ilam district in eastern Nepal take part in paddy plantation in tune with the Bethi tradition. The tradition has almost disappeared in other parts of the district though it has survived itself in this village. While some farmers are starting to plant paddy in Ilam and some other parts of Nepal, others were seen weeding the paddy in places like Kathmandu valley. Photos by Biplab Bhattarai
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Comments
112 responses to “British Belles Bethi (Plant Paddy and Dance)”
Wow, the foreigners seemed to have a lot of fun. These types of small events can also attract and help the tourism industry as well.
The top decision makers have to think about it seriously.
Poor people! they just embrace any foreigner. Very innocent nepali people.
Fake British people. Racist. They don’t embrace or welcome other people in their country. They get very jealous when other national take their job and other opportunities….
When they go to other’s country. They expect high degree of respect and want to be liked. Its a shame they can’t treat the way we do to them!
the two people were beneficiary were INDIA and “Made” and Nepali government. Losers were local nepali people from surroundings.
sorry – it was for another topic.
Well Jyoti,
there are racists everywhere, Nepal as well. The British are more tolerant than most so lets not go overboard. Noone likes their jobs taken, – does India, China and even Nepal for that matter welcome immigrants and give them citizenship and free health and education to go with it?????
Well Jyoti,
there are racists everywhere, definitely in Nepal as well (hence the terms kuira, bhote, madhise, dhoti, etc, not to forget castism which is also a form of racism). The British are more tolerant than most so lets not go overboard. Noone likes their jobs taken, – does India, China and even Nepal for that matter welcome immigrants and give them citizenship and free health and education to go with it?????
We cant even treat each other right,lets not judge how others treat us.
lucky tourists to be in rural area. normally nepalese do not share .
Nepalese have to understand that aparts from cats dogs and elephants people will be people not because they are nepalese any tourist will only want to be robbed, go to places without condition and put up with ….
There is government money for adult formal education. But not fast money just sit and learn than beg and steal.
FYI: This news probably wasn’t a geopolitical news update!
well said, haha…why can’t we take this news for what it is? some foreigners just having fun? That’s like us going to America and taking twenty pics of christmas dinner ‘w a white family…what is that? racist?…speaking or racist…Oh i wonder what kind of issues we are going through in our own country? hypocrites, get a life!
TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS….these people are probably from peace corps (or is it?) ..and they r nth but a bunch of hippies looking to have fun. and Jyoti, perhaps if u visit these ppl, I can bet they’ll treat u with respect. You can’t please all and not all are going to please you…but always leave room for surprises! I’m sure it made their day to have done this..too bad it ruined yrs to be reading abt it..too bad.
I’m not happy at all with Ha Ha & Maila Dai. I don’t think Nepalese people are racist. I am not gonna denied that we make certain comment about their caste and culture but don’t you think that this happens because of low rate of education in our country. You can’t compare Britain with Nepal.
I am talking about highly civilized country. yes, Britain grants citizenship but what cost? Are you aware of that? We granted citizenship with no cost in nepal. Free health and education don’t just come to your door. we work, pay tax, pay council tax and pay for medicine(prescription). so tell me what do you get free?
That’s a tricky, isn’t it? well, how can you analyzed because you have no brain??? and you are brainwashed with white flesh.
and to remind you, Ha Ha whoever you are? please don’t try to advise me whether I should be judge mental or not, cos that’s not your problem. I am happy the way I am.
And Maila dai don’t give too much attention on white flesh, don’t think about pleasing these well brought up kids and don’t worry too much whether white flesh enjoyed or rice paddy land or not, whether or fellow villagers provided sofistication
…sophistication or not. It would be worthy if you and other nepali ppl think about pleasing our own people.
well, I don’t think you have ever worked with White people with them doing the same kind of responsibilities. I think, where ever you are/were worked in that places where white pple never want to do those job. That’s why you don’t know what;s inside in thier mind.
Jyoti, please pile yr comments into one for next time, see what u’ve done to me here…haha.
response to comment #1: u r not happy ‘w us? wud u like some cherry n whipped cream on top of our comments? well, too bad..like i said, can’t please ’em all. we just have diff. opinion, only makes us more human.
ccomment #2:Jyoti, exclusively brought to u, http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=5312009&page=1
just take a look (oh and please read before u judge this one by the color of their skin or where they’r from), this article ACTUALLY talks about what they’re doing instead of just a photo caption..it’ll help u)
comment #3: while we’r at it..wanna share sum great things u’ve done to please the nation?
comment#4: u love jumping to conclusions. well miss i-know-the-white-brain-inside-out, to answer yr question: yes I have/do work with the white ppl and i was shocked to find out their blood is red, they worry about similar things (govt, family,) but obviously have a diff culture. I have frens from slovakia, nigeria, romania, china, peru, bhutan, ehiopia, etc…so not to brag but i have seen all colors. and if u sway away from the stereotypes and get to know ppl in person, u can make some good friendships! thats what the rest of us do.u shud try that sometimes when u get some time out of complaining..
oh and a msg to UWB: please add more info next time to your wonderful picture galleries like this. Unless you r sharing yr photographic skills, it might help to give more info instead of letting us figure out what could be happening!
u don’t want us to do steal yr jobs by interpreting yr pictures do you? j/k.
oh n sorry for not practicing what i preach (piling comments) but here goes a little more…abt the racism thing.
do u think ppl in Nepal think very highly of a black man who walks along the street vs a white man…Oh i wonder if they call it racism…Im not speaking for anyone here but we all have a little racist creature unfortunately…just generalizing who’s racist n who’s not itself is a racist comment, miss. racists r those species who walk on earth with no sense of respect to individuals.
I think, the way you compare between a Black vs a White man on the street…….so cheap/narrow thinking! It tells me that you have no idea what i meant by “Racist”. we don’t have a recist creature…..that’s not racist you call instead you should say “Jealousy”.
I think you have problem with differentiation of word. so why don’t you stop questioning on my comment. What’s the point? Who doesn’t have a clue, what I am talking about?
Ok, so people from various communities celebrated this festival no matter which caste or creed, which country or whatever.
They had a great time out there.
Jyoti I’d love to write a ‘bibechnatmak uttar’ but time is of essence to all of us, so: Forget who’s racist(from yr own definition) and who’s not for a moment and look at the bright side of the picture: some ppl having fun out in the field(the kind of fun you and I take for granted..unless u tell us planting paddy is yr hobby). so, similar experience i’d have on my first trip to walmart (now i’ve seen so much i forgot that feeling)
united voices, that’s more like it..take the news for exactly what it is. some ppl having a gud time outside in summer!
Jyoti,
You have hardships working in the West with white people and you are bitter about it and I understand.
BUT you have to be honnest : there are as many racists in Nepal than anywhere on this planet.
I was a trekking guide in Nepal for 14 years and had been treated like a dog by those immigration kalo topi during all this time. There is absolutely NO WAY to stay more than 150 days a year for a foreigner in Nepal, even if you wish to pay your income taxes, and nobody cares about that. This is why if finally renounced to live in your country.
On an other hand, my friend Mutki Gurung, with wich I undertook a great himalayan traverse tek (one year from Srinagar to Ilam in 89/90) is now living in France since then ; he had hard times to get is resident visa, BUT HE GOT IT.
Your are just beign selfish like a spoiled brath when you write your stuff. Tourism is the main industry in Nepal, but it is so badly handled by so stupid people that is is stagnating… because of conformism, rigidity and massive corruption.
Your are the racist one, chap 🙂
From my tiny village deep in the heart of France and far away from my beloved country Nepal because of those atrocious kalo topi.
Cyp
Wow being a nepali i have never done this paddy song & dance, its looks real fun. btw – why dnt we jus leave it at tht … raking up the whole issue of racism …. blah blah …?? wht for
Cyprien Luraghi
your last paragraph suggests that you are a Nepali. Your name is french (name can be fake) but it’s not a big deal.
Now I’m confused whether you are a Nepali bloke or a French bloke? …..if you are (according to your last para, claims) nepali then why you are so up set with my statement about “white flesh” ? if you are not nepali and you are French, then why are you saying that “my beloved country Nepal”?
Why should I be bothered whether Mr Gurung got resident visa or not? is it anybody’s business?
I’m so confused and having a thought whether to deal with you and your comments further? Because i found you extremely disturbed and confused person.
to make clear, I am not talking about “kalo Topi” in nepal. you were just a guide but i met so many ppl in nepal who owned tourist company, explains that Tourism is poison for Nepal. We know how much “white flesh” enjoyed our cheap hospitality. When i see their (white flesh) real behavior, I would like to kick their ass!
When i was in Birgunj VDC for 2 months, ppl used to call me “pahade’ but i don’t think , you call that they being ‘racist’ ?
I you are french – my suggestion for you would be “don’t throw with ill ideas’ about nepal. you know what is best for nepal. Tourism is good for Developed country, not for developing country. Tourism makes country/local citizen dependent and less productive. Tourism will help life of very few people.
Interesting comments there Cyprien,
I couldn’t tell where u r from either…i could care less…
Jyoti(on Cyprien’s comment),
“Why should I be bothered whether Mr Gurung got resident visa … anybody’s business?” – AGREED
“ppl used to call me “pahade’ but i don’t think , you call that they being ‘racist’ ?” OMG! so we have racism in Nepal? lol
“.if you are …nepali then why you are so up set with my statement about “white flesh”- do we all HAVE 2 concur?
Wow! Jyoti, you really HATE the white flesh don’t you? All I’m trying to tell you is yes, the white flesh have abused about every color when they could (less today than what it used to be) but there are also a good number of ppl making positive impacts (just don’t TOTALLY ignore them)…remember the link I sent you last time?;-)…be a lil optimistic…the world isn’t so bad..all this makes me wonder where u r ..currently..?
The comments and sweeping generalisations by “jyoti” at the beginning of this blog were uncalled for and dissapointing.
ok so the british ppl also have opted for nepalese culture, what about nepalese ppl, r they forgetting their own culture?
the only one racist here seems to be this jyoti twat. And jyoti stop trying to lecture me like I dont know how this or that is. You have no idea to the extent of my knowledge and experience with the world. You write as if I’ve never seen a white person before.
Again, Nepal definitely has racism, not unlike other countries – but iut is’nt anything but racism – so please stop with your silly explainations. And yes taxes are paid to get education and health in Emglans etc, but you do get them and you do get higher salaries otherwise why go live there. Live here. People pay taxes here too incase you didnt know. And unlike what you suggest we do not “grant citizenship” at no cost – infact we do not grant citizenships to immigrants at all – Britain does – do you now get the distinction – we are eithe born citizens here ot not – nothing is granted.
And your taxes there gives you superior health care and education (not to forget public services, social security, old age pension etc etc etc) – if that was the case here everyone would love to pay the taxes. You strike me as someone who either lives there or works with many white people – if you’re so unhappy quit and come stay here. Instead of being a closet hypocrite whining on blogs.
These kids look to be about high-school age. I am a bit dumbfounded by all this discussion as to whether they (or Britain in general) are racist. Have a look at http://www.ratemypuppy.com if you really want something to be outraged about.
There are elements of racism in most countries sadly. Indeed, some of the offensive comments posted by viewers on this very site on the oath taking issue, show that unfortunately racism is of course, in Nepal as well. However, just as many countries suffer racist elements, there are usually a greater number of decent people who respect the common humanity and dignity of everyone. There is no space for generalisations on this site.
If someone comes into my country and tries to take away my securities, my livelihood, my culture and my way of life, Do you think I will keep quiet ?
Jyoti-Scotland….did u expect the westerners to welcome u with garlands and flowers. I mean you went wherever you went because YOU knew it was better than where you were, in terms of life, education, financial rewards whatever it maybe.
Of course you will not be well liked by the locals of a country where you go because as an immigrant you take certain things away from them. That is not racism.
What is racism is this divide between madhesis and pahadis within a country in which both belong equally.
This racism exists in nepal just like in other countries.
Jyoti-remember if you don’t like where you are you are more than welcome to go back where you came from. No one will plead you to stay in the country of the “white people” and I am sure you were not taken there as a slave either. It was afterall your choice.
Haha and Matribhumi
you pple are brainwashed by white ppl, so as world and I don’t blame you for that. I acknowledged that you ppl are being too stupid to understand the real world.
Even in America, Black ppl and most importantly Barack Obama (democratic candidate) admit that in 21st century, white ppl are racist ( now i don’t have time and put it this way.. its not my job to educate you this issue. I think, some of these unique qualities in us, make every individual a different person and i can tell that you and me are very different people on this aspect)
Do i give you few more example? Michael jackson (now, leave his child molestation issue) and Naomi Campbell, Jessy Jackson etc etc say that they still faces racism (I don’t need your comments)
I don’t value your cheap comments coz i don’t care what you bark on this issue. Although, I would say this to you (you won;t change my mind) that “white ppl are the only ppl on earth who committed crime in this earth – they wiped put Red Indians, they started Isreal war, they started Korean and Vietnam war, they started Iraq war, they killed millions in Cambodia etc etc (not i don’t need your statement against communist – again you little knowledge doesn’t change my thoughts and intelligence)
White are only talks double standard in this world. .. …., but now I think, Time is over. Everybody knows about their double standards, and Chinese is dominating in terms of economy, technology, GDP, population etc etc.
Don’t try to make me fool just because you are arrogant prat.
By the way i am living like a princess, in Heaven!
Someone here is monotonously paradox.
Mailadai, Matribhumi, Ha Ha
while my comments are under moderation, why don’t you have this as well.
Actually, I’m sorry for forgetting my level by not understanding our Nepalis value and so sorry for making you all upset by yelling white flesh “racist”. I never realized that We Knight Nepali ppl care for others / foreigners (never care for our own when 12 ppl were beheaded in Iraq), die for foreigners (Gorkhas died for Britain but never bothered to fight for own country), worship them like a God (welcome them with garlands and flower – as mattribhumi says).
I made a mistake by not being able to share my happiness with your guys for Brits chicks and blokes. Because i am selfish like white ppl, when their ppl died in 9/11 they cried, however when children killed, unborn babies died in the womb, when ppl lost their parts of body and killed, white ppl smiled and are not bothered about as long as they see their ppl bombarding other innocent Iraqis.
I should be shutting my mouth and learn to praise this white Brits enjoying….! by hiding the truth. I should be just like others (you know there there is a saying in nepali – “Kaag Le Kaan Lagyo Bhanda afno Kaan nai na chhami Kaag Ko Pachhi Lagne” ) I made a mistake by not running after Kaag and made mistake by “Checking my Ears” before running after “Kaag”
From now on, I don’t value my knowledge, education, thoughts but i will be ready to walk hand in hand with white flesh…Ok
Are you guys happy now?
I should be checking on the villagers whether they are looking after the Brits. Beat and shoot them if they are not looking after Brits (coz Britain feeds our whole population and pours funds) (even though Nepalis are living like a servant / a second class citizens in foreign country)
Matribhumi, don’t worry. I will head back to that village and provide my service to the Brits and make them more happy. Yes, i have no right to complain about white ppl.
I won’t be like Brits “Noisy” (if they don’t like muslims,..stop doing business with middle east, if they don’t like chinese,…stop going to China, stop importing goods from China, ….Isn’t that simple,…Ha Ha ?)
As your (Ha Ha) theory say -” if they don’t like something drop it ” , ” if they don’t like some place, don’t live there” why can’t they (Brits) be like as intelligent as our “Ha Ha” and “Matribhumi” ?
Not only that guys. I will grow plants and animals (don’t care, if these animals are dangerous for our own local ppl) so that white flesh comes and enjoy their time and we just massage their ass and follow them. Coz, white flesh are our first priority, isn’t it guys?
UWB webmasters, I understand that this site is designed as a democratic forum, but there should be limits. I would be grateful if the offensive comments of Joti are deleted. Thanks!
This post was supposed to be a celebration of humanity, but because of one fool, who is an ignorant, an uneducated, a hypocrite and a bitch, I am smelling the stench of racism. I am glad she is where she is, and I wish she rot there.
r the Brits treating the Scots OK?.. r u kidding? of course, white flesh r our first priority! including the Scottish. where have u been all this time? why else did u think they wrote this article.
Jyoti, its easy 2 criticize (if u r so inclined) than to present a solution….got some for us miss?
Jyoti, u might wanna save yr theories (n many many experiences and thorough understanding of Nepal’s foreign relations n policies) for another article that speaks about such things if at all. Otherwise how ’bout a nice big cup of STFU!
I am sad the way this post has turned out. Anyway, it was nice to see some visitors enjoying Nepal and Nepali hospitality, and learning about rural life, especially in places like Ilam where visitors do not usually go. It is good to promote tourism in areas away from the main tourist centers.
On the issues relating to global justice that Joti was lecturing on above: These are not associated with race (and I am not sure they ever were), but with economic classes. An obsession with an outdated idea of meaningless racial categories (i.e the white vs non-white) diverts attention from the economic structures in the global economy (which are nothing to do with ‘race’) that lead to rampant inequality, environmental degradation and war. The views expressed by Jyoti (on “white” people) are deeply disturbing, and are obviously shaped by the writers own racial prejudices.
Actually, the exchange of ideas through rural tourism etc (providing it is done in a sensitive and sustainable manner, and has two way benefits) are one of the small things that can be done to build up understandings between different peoples and regions of the world. Such understandings are neccesary for finding joint solutions to global problems.
Of course, I am not denying that racism exists, but it is one problem amongst many facing the world, and one that exists in most countries. However, fighting racism with more racism has never worked.
I hope the comments from now on will be more reasoned and sensitive.
Well, Noname you should be advising UWB webmasters, to delete the offensive comments made by other ppl. I guess we are different ppl with different vision, experience and intelligence. If i was you, certainly, I would have suggested to delete these offensive words which represent too offensive to me (that didn’t do for you) such as a Bitch (as AK said), a twat (as Ha Ha said). Not only this, but its very uncomfortable to go through some ppls saying with so much “f – word” or offensive both in Nepali and English in other topics…
To all, why don’t you guys to to British Embassy and ask for VISA ….just say “you love them and you defend them” go to Britain and USA and work with them and one more don’t forget to post nepali ppl’s pics -working as Illegal in Indian restaurant and factories.
I know reality is bitter! I only tried to put the reality which ppl (didn’t occur to me personally) from different background said publicly in USA and UK. If that hurts you, it’s your problem.
I have a question for u guys. Are you sensible? when it comes to domestic violence in Nepal? our nepali sisters being sold in Bombay, how do you feel about it? do you beat your wife or have you seen men beating their wives? what did you do at the situation?
Did you guys see (in movement 2006) a army kicking a girl then she was taken to hospital? Do you always raise your voice just like you did for Brits?
I was aware of and became more familiar with these elements/terms ‘racism’ ‘Bullying’ When i was in USA and UK. If you don’t understand the deep meaning of it then you never understood White culture (95%).
I agree, only handful of people are great and thoughtful and they managed to drive their country as an Icon of the world. Think of how would world be if that 95% ppl are as same as 5%? world would be like “Heaven” “peaceful” as Martin Luthor King, Abrahm Lincoln, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Barak Obama, wanted!
Noname, you are so scared, aren’t you? …lol (that reminds me of something. Years ago we were so scared of even spelling our Kings name and princess names)
I want to hear that any White ppl care about foreigners in their land. I have never met and heard any white ppl saying “Oh I’m so happy, at least, ppl from other country enjoying our hospitality, in our country! (as you’ve expressed)”
I think we are more used to with this terms instead they ask you “why do you come here?” they never think of a Global Relation, do they? But they are so quick to have their outdated meaningless prejudice on us “to work & make money”. Have you seen real Brits in Britain? They are just out of control, even government is finding so hard to tackle one of the current problems that Britain is facing now (now i don’t need your unrealistic/impractical thoughts / theories about humanity).
If Racism is outdated and meaningless then why in USA, ppl are not voting for Barak Obama, a Black man? they are clearly saying that Barak is Muslim and Black that’s why they don’t trust him,….on National TV, CNN, ABC etc. Do you believe that? Of course not, cos you believe that “racism’ issue is no longer exists in human in this world, don’t you?
Noname, pls tell me – How do I change my bad habit of having meaningless ideas which are taken from white ppl. How do I stop questioning “If white ppl / foreigners go to Nepal, I start thinking about “why are they doing in Nepal?” Are they there to spread bad influence as they did in Thailand, in nepal too? will they influence our innocent sisters and brothers into ………? pls tell me?
Noname help find me foreigners who welcome us in their country and be happy for us with our happiness …..i am sure you’ve been living with these kind of ppl who have this mentality?
once again, i don;t mind by your comments / dislike because, “I rather have a hatred telling the truth, than have liked by you telling the lies”
Maila dai, what’s that ” big cup of STUF?”
if you are in S… d, then why not? what’s wrong with having a cup STUF?
Of course racism exists, and it does all over the world, including Nepal, and it is a sad reality. I never said it did not. My problem is the way you talk of “white people” as if they are some kind of single category. What do you actually mean by this? You would not be happy if soemone started talking of Nepali people like they are all the same. That is not helpful, as it brushes over the economic structures which cause oppression. There are people with racial prejudices in UK (like there are everywhere), and there are also people whe welcome outsiders kindly… It depends on where you go in the country and who you mix with. Just as there are racists who will oppose Obama, the fact he has become so succcessful suggests things are hopefully changing.
Finally, there is nothing wrong with expressing your views, but do so in a democratic and non-offensive manner so people take you seriously.
And also remember that a huge population of countries like the UK is non-white. How can you reduce a whole country to such simplistic categories.
Hi Jyoti,
You really sound bitter!
Lets leave out the question of racism: like United Voices said, its good to see so many people celebrated, and lets leave it at that. You will see good and bad everywhere, and you can choose to focus on either side, and it takes up more of your life. The only thing in the end you can do is choose what you want to do about it.
Racism is caused by stereotyping a whole race for an impression in ones mind (or at least part of racism is caused by that). Do you want to stereotype all white people because of a bad image in your mind caused by your own bad experiences? Is that not why there is so much hatred between people of different races in different places in the first place?
How can you bring out the good qualities in people? Or do you believe that people cannot change, and that if you are white, you are racist for sure?
Or, are you trying to lash out against foreign policies, but are instead stereotyping a race/flesh instead?
Thank you itoyj. I am glad there is someone else who can actually have a reasoned discussion.
it’s a sad you are telling me that live with it. I feel betrayed by Brits and Americans, the way they have ruled in our mind and heart. They are spying on us through UN – Talks about human rights? women rights? equal opportunities?
that won;t help us that help them. when foreigner to their country enter their country, we have to abide by their rules but when they go to other country they tried to change the rule?…too smart!
I can guarantee you that nobody live poor nepali welcomes foreigner. Its about color, isn’t it? if a black person comes to your door, you have a second thought about having him, but if that person is white then, straight away, you accept him wholeheartedly without having a second thought. So we can’t just ignore these which are deeply rooted on us.
Noname, I don’t know where you got this figures about non-whites. For your information see the details below:
In UK, the total population is 58.80 millions. on that, 1.7 million ( 3%) is Northern Ireland. 2.9 million (5%) is Wales. 5.1 million (9%) scottish and 49.1 million (83%) is English.
if you categorize black from white then the figure is as below:
White = 54.2 million (92%) of whole population of UK
Ethnic Minorities = 4.60 million (8%) that includes Indian, mixed, pakistani, bangladeshi, Black caribbean, black african, chinese and others)
out of 4.6 (8%)
Indian = 1.1m
mixed = 0.7m
pakistani = 0.7m
bangladeshi = 0.3m
black caribbean =0.6m
black african =0.5m
chinese = 0.2m
others = 0.5m