Khir Khane Din 2082: Significance, values, and warm wishes on why Nepalis eat rice pudding on Shrawan 15

Today, July 31, 2025 (Shrawan 15 in the Nepali calendar), people across Nepal are celebrating Khir Khane Din—the traditional day to eat kheer, a sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and spices. It’s a beloved food deeply connected to Nepali culture, religion, and seasonal traditions.

Eating kheer on Shrawan 15 is a long-standing tradition. It falls right in the middle of the monsoon season, and people believe eating hot foods like kheer is good for health during the rainy weather. A month ago, on Asar 15, people celebrated by eating dahi-chyura (curd and beaten rice). Shrawan 15 is the next big food festival on the Nepali calendar.

This day is more than just about food. It’s about community, religion, agriculture, and nature. Families invite relatives, neighbors, and friends over to enjoy kheer together. It’s especially common in rural areas, where this time of year brings fresh milk thanks to green pastures for cows and buffaloes.

Kheer and its religious meaning

Kheer is considered a sacred food in Hindu culture. In Sanskrit, it’s called payas, and it is one of the most respected sattvic (pure) foods. It is used during religious rituals and is often offered to gods and ancestors during shraddha ceremonies.

According to Vedic traditions, feeding kheer to Brahmins during ancestor rituals is a respected practice. Even today, many households prepare kheer with cow’s milk during important religious events. It symbolizes purity, health, and devotion.

Some people also connect this day to Lord Shiva, since the month of Shrawan is dedicated to him. Shiva is believed to favor milk and milk-based offerings, so eating kheer during this time feels spiritually meaningful. While there may not be a direct scriptural quote linking Shiva and kheer, the cultural association is strong.

What kind of kheer is eaten?

Traditional Nepali kheer is made with rice, milk, sugar, cardamom, ghee, and sometimes dry fruits or nuts. But there are many creative varieties. People also prepare:

• Sabudana kheer (tapioca)
• Sewai kheer (vermicelli)
• Makai ko kheer (corn)
• Carrot or mixed-fruit kheer

Since green corn is easily available in this season, corn kheer is especially popular in villages.

There’s a belief that before eating kheer, it should be first offered to the gods. Many families follow this practice as a way to show gratitude and devotion.

Now officially ‘Kheer Diwas’

In 2021, Nepal’s National Dairy Development Board officially declared Shrawan 15 as Kheer Diwas (Kheer Day). The goal was to promote dairy products and preserve Nepali food culture. According to the board, just 100 grams of processed milk contains around 60% of the daily calorie energy needed—making kheer a rich and nutritious food.

Nepal’s food tradition reflects seasonal changes. After dahi-chyura on Asar 15 and kheer on Shrawan 15, people enjoy roasted corn on Bhadra 15, ghee and lito on Poush 15, and malpuwa on Magh 15. These food festivals are simple but deeply rooted in our way of life.

A sweet wish for a sweet day

As Nepalis enjoy a bowl of warm, sweet kheer today, it’s a reminder of the richness of our culture, the connection between people, food, and nature. Whether you’re with family or away from home, may this Khir Khane Din bring sweetness, good health, and peace to your life.

Wishes for Khir Khane Din (Shrawan 15):

1. May your day be as sweet and pure as a bowl of kheer.
2. Wishing you health, happiness, and warm moments with loved ones.
3. May this Khir Khane Din strengthen your bonds with family and tradition.
4. Let this simple meal remind you of life’s richest joys.
5. May Lord Shiva bless your home with peace and prosperity.
6. Enjoy this cultural feast with love, laughter, and togetherness.
7. Happy Shrawan 15! May your year be filled with sweetness and blessings.