KATHMANDU: The National Paddy Day (popularly know as Asar 15) is being observed today. The day is marked as the beginning of paddy plantation. Farmers are celebrating Asar 15, across the hilly and Tarai regions of Nepal today.

This day carries a unique and national significance among the farmers of Nepal, a country where the principle economy is chiefly based on agriculture. The month Asar (Mid June-Mid July)  is a favorable month for paddy cultivation due to the rainy season. The government also officially endorsed the tradition to celebrate Asar 15 as National Paddy Day (Dhan Diwas).