Linge Ping brings Dashain festivities to life (photos)
For many, playing on the ping is not just about enjoyment but also contributes to physical well-being.
KATHMANDU: Dashain, one of the major festivals in Nepal, brings with it many traditions, one of which is the thrilling experience of playing on the Linge Ping—traditional bamboo swings.
For many, playing on the ping is not just about enjoyment but also contributes to physical well-being.
This is why the saying goes, “Once during Dashain, everyone must leave the ground.”
When Dashain approaches, villages across the country spring to life as communities race to build these towering bamboo swings. Set in open, elevated spaces, the construction of the Linge Ping signals the arrival of Dashain’s festive cheer. It’s not just children or teenagers who flock to the ping; people of all ages, including the elderly, eagerly join in, swinging high and embracing the thrill.
However, times are changing, and with the advent of urbanization and technological advances, the traditional Linge Ping is becoming increasingly rare. The once-common sight of these swings is now limited, especially in urban areas where social dynamics have shifted. City dwellers occasionally spot a ping in isolated corners, but the widespread excitement it once generated is gradually fading.
Despite this, some places continue to preserve the tradition. In the border area between Gokarneshwar and Budhanilkantha municipalities, particularly in Tarebhir Narayan Danda, the spirit of Dashain remains alive as people gather to enjoy the ping. The following images capture the joy and festivity as locals embrace this timeless tradition.
Dashain remains incomplete without the fun of the Linge Ping, a symbol of our cultural heritage and a reminder to momentarily “leave the ground” and connect with the simplicity and thrill of our roots.
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