Thangkhal Community Harvest Day: A Joyful Tradition in the Hills

A warm look at the Thangkhal community’s harvest day, showing cutting, threshing, gathering and sharing food together in the peaceful hills of Thangkhal Land, 'Khalgam'.

THESE photos show a beautiful harvest day in the hills, where the Thangkhal community gathered to reap the fruits of their yearlong hard work. The sunny hillside is filled with tall grass, small trees and scattered red wildflowers swaying in the breeze. Men and women walk through the field, cutting ripe rice plants with sickles as part of Buh-Aat, the first stage of harvesting.

In other photos, groups of people are seen spreading the rice on red sheets for Buhvel or Buhsat, where the grains are threshed and separated from the chaff. Large bundles of straw lie beside them, glowing warmly under the bright blue sky. Families and friends sit together on the ground, sharing simple food served on fresh green banana leaves. Children and elders alike join in, making the moment joyful and memorable.

As evening falls, the final picture shows the group sharing a warm meal under a single lantern, surrounded by the day’s harvest. This 'Bulak' (harvest) is a peaceful and heartfelt scene that reflects unity, tradition and gratitude.