Private Project

Ox Fiesta

The tradition of ox fighting in Nepal is one of the country’s oldest traditions, which can even be traced back to more than 1500 years. The villagers of Chandani village, in Taruka Region of Nuwakot district, Central Nepal, still passionately organize and follow the ox fights.

The Taruka Ox fights 2022 were organized amidst the third wave of covid-19 in Nepal and was canceled by the authorities touting safety issues. This is a story of how the villagers came together to organize the program without government support and endorsement, showing the role and importance of cultural ties in improving social harmony.

This documentary further explores the common history and incidents associated with the Taruka / Chandani ox fights held during the First of Magh Festival. The daily life of ox owners, their sentiments towards their oxen, and the rules of the ox fights are also expounded upon. This documentary is intended as a window into how inherited customs and traditions bind small rural communities.

  • Puru Lamsal
    Director/ Writer
  • K.P. Pathak
    Executive Producer
  • Niranjan Sigdel
    Producer
  • Jyoti Simha
    Cinematographer
  • Ramesh Dhamala
    Cinematographer
  • Lawa Pyakurel
    Editor/ Colorist
  • Kishore Acharya
    Sound Designer
  • Rashik Pathak
    Line Producer
  • Rajendra Bajagain
    Background Score
  • Sushil Singh Thakuri
    Playback Singer
  • Achyut Bajagain
    VFX
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    गोरु पर्व
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 19, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Nepal International Film Festival
    Kathmandu
    Nepal
    March 31, 2022
    World Premiere
  • SportFilm Liberec 2022
    Liberec
    Czech Republic
    Official Selection
  • South Asian Short Film Festival 2022
    Kolkata
    India
    Official Selection
  • International Film Festival Manhattan 2022
    Manhattan
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Dhaka International Film Festival 2023

    Bangladesh
  • Human Environmental Care Film Festival (HECFF)

    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • CineMakers NP
    Distributor
    Country: Nepal
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography

Puru Lamsal (March 10, 1983) is a young writer and director. His presence on the Nepali stage is tempting. Puru is already well known as an author in the Nepalese literature arena and he has published nine books. More than forty songs have been recorded. Puru, who is expert in all three genres of writing, acting and directing, has directed many music videos and short films. Plays written and directed by Puru have been staged in other countries besides Nepal. Puru Lamsal has the ability to cover different subjects in a documentary. The documentary written and directed by him, "Ani Haribhakta Fakeyenana" (AND THEN HARIBHAKTA DID NOT RETURN) is a popular documentary of recent times. In this way, he is also gradually succeeding to present himself internationally. He is already an established promising figure as a creator, artist, and filmmaker for all. Due to his skillful presentation in Nepalese art, he has been awarded from many significant institutions. Similarly, he is a gold medalist lyricist and awarded poet under the government of Nepal. He is honored as an Academician and the government officially appointed him to the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Since I am a native of Nuwakot, I feel that it is very natural for me to be concerned about the issue of the ox fights held in the region. Although the ox fights are something that every person in the area knows about, there are various prevalent stories, ideas, and concepts regarding the origin and the current state of the fights, making the information on the event very chaotic for a visitor or an outsider. I feel that it is my duty as a filmmaker to create a video portrait of the Taruka / Chandani ox fights, the most popular ox fighting events held in Nuwakot.