Mud, celebration, and dread: Nepali farmers mark National Paddy Day while bracing for El Nino-driven drought

Locals in Nepal's Sindhuli district celebrated National Paddy Day with traditional mud-splashing, feasting, and music. Despite the festive spirit, experts warn of a drier 2026 monsoon due to El Nino.

In response, local authorities are distributing irrigation equipment worth one crore to help farmers mitigate potential drought risks.