Kathmandu : Today, in Nepali society, people are celebrating Saun 15 by eating Kheer. It is an ancient tradition in Nepal to eat Dahi Chiura (beaten rice with curd) on the 15th of Asar and Kheer on the 15th of Saun.
During the time of Saune Jhari (monsoon rainfall), consuming sweet Kheer is believed to be beneficial for one’s health. Kheer, made by adding various ingredients like dry fruits and spices to milk, is considered to be a health-promoting food in this season.
In the Sanskrit language, Kheer is referred to as “Payas,” and it is considered a Satvik (pure) food and an essential offering in Vedic rituals and devotional practices. Pada Devamani Bhattarai, a religious scholar and member of the Nepali Panchang Determination Committee, shared that Kheer is significant in various auspicious ceremonies.
During this month of Saun, there is an abundance of greenery in rural areas, and the cattle are fed well with plenty of grass. The cows and buffaloes produce ample milk, leading to the tradition of serving Kheer to family members and guests.
Saun is considered the month of Lord Shiva. Offering Kheer and other sweets made from milk during this time is also part of the tradition. This practice has led to the trend of eating Kheer on the 15th of Saun, as mentioned by religious scholar Bhattarai. However, there is no specific scriptural reference to this custom.
In the past, Brahmins invited to perform ancestral rituals used to be offered Kheer as a part of their meal. Nowadays, during Shraadh (ancestral rituals) as well, Kheer made with cow’s milk is served as a customary food.
Kheer is prepared using ingredients such as rice, sago, vermicelli, corn, and carrots. Sabudana (sago) is used as a substitute for fruits and flowers in this season. With the abundance of green corn during this month of Saun, dishes like Kheer made with fresh corn are also prepared and offered to the deities and eaten by family members.
According to the Nepali dictionary, Kheer is defined as a sweet and delicious food item made from boiled rice, milk, sugar, spices, etc.
In Nepali society, it is customary to celebrate Asar 15 with Dahi Chiura, Saun 15 with Kheer, Bhadra 15 with Makai (corn), Poush 15 with Khukurra ko Ghee (clarified butter made from cow’s milk), and Magh 15 with Malpuwa (a kind of pancake) and other snacks when inviting guests or during special occasions.
The National Dairy Development Board has mentioned that Kheer made from processed milk provides essential nutrients and helps in developing the body’s immune system. The Board decided to observe Saun 15 as “Kheer Day” during its meeting held on Falgun 15, 2077 B.S. (February 27, 2021) as per the standard food regulations of Nepal. It was mentioned that every 100 grams of processed milk contains 3% fat, 4.7% lactose, and 3.5% protein, providing approximately 60% calorie energy.