Torenla is an annual festival celebrated by Thakalis around full-moon day of Nepali calendar Fagun (February-March). Toren means "first" in Thakali and likely refers to the first month in the Tibetan lunar calendar.
There are no specific rules that guide the celebration of Torenla. Thakalis in different regions of Nepal and from different generations do so differently. Some celebrate for a day while others for three days. Some have elaborate rituals while others keep it very simple. There is one common theme however, and that is, it is a celebration of families past and present.
Torenla has three distinct components. First, ancestors (khimi cuwa) are remembered and offering are made to them. It is usually done in the sacred area of the house, a place where Thakalis keep and worship their deities. Second, connections to current relatives are reaffirmed by inviting them for lunch or dinner, and accepting invitations in return. In the old days, this was also the occasion for Thakalis who were gone away on business or for other purposes to return home and rejoin the family. Third, social bonding and common experiences are enhanced within the larger Thakali community by participating in communal activities. Such activities usually take the form of playing cards and a game of archery (me lyangpa/tara). These activities could go on for days.
