National Paddy Day Celebrated in Lele with Rajesh Hamal’s Special Presence, Hosted by ‘Ra: Revolutionary Agriculture War’ Reality Show

Kathmandu – On the occasion of Asar 15, National Paddy Day, the world’s first agricultural reality game show Ra: Revolutionary Agriculture War organized a grand celebration in Lele, Godavari Municipality. The event was graced by the special presence of legendary actor and host of the show, Rajesh Hamal.

The program was conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture Division of Godavari Municipality and Muktinath Krishi Company Ltd. Dignitaries in attendance included Godavari Mayor Gajendra Maharjan, Chief Administrative Officer Man Bahadur Khadka, ICIMOD’s Dr. Tashi Sherpa, Muktinath’s MD Bharat Raj Dhakal, Ward Chair Shekhar Neupane, executive member Uma Mahat, journalists, local intellectuals, and community members.

The celebration featured traditional Dhime baja, folk music, Ashare songs, and rice planting with cultural dance performances. Show creator and director Shailesh Kandel Kshetri stated that the reality show aims to make farmers into celebrities and establish agriculture as a respected profession. He also emphasized the show’s annual commitment to organizing National Paddy Day events in different regions.

Speaking at the event, mega star Rajesh Hamal expressed concern about the youth’s growing detachment from agriculture and Nepal’s increasing dependency on imported food. He participated in various engaging activities including tug-of-war and rice planting, encouraging public enthusiasm.

Muktinath Krishi’s Managing Director Dhakal highlighted the importance of technology in modern agriculture and said programs like this can inspire innovation beyond traditional practices. Their team also demonstrated liquid fertilizer spraying using drone technology.

Last year on Asar 15, the application process for the reality show was launched. Out of 1,682 applicants from all 77 districts, the top 100 were selected for interviews, training, and outreach. From them, 12 farmers and 12 technicians are now part of the competition. Six episodes have already been filmed in Shankharapur Municipality and the show is set to air from Bhadra on Himalaya TV and OSR Reality.