The Nepalese celebrate 15th of Ashad (June), called Asar Pandhra, which is traditionally the day that marks the beginning of the rice planting season, and for generations, this has been a great day of celebration across the country. Mud Day is a perfect representation of this celebration, and it gives the opportunity for us all to celebrate the productivity of the land, appreciate nature, and being able to have fun with family and friends. Mud Day not only encourages us to see the land as a resource that supplies our livelihood, but it also encourages us to see the land as something that we can love and enjoy, just for its own sake.

In preparation for Mud Day, Nepalese farmers who volunteer their land for the event plow the field to make it perfect for the festivities. The monsoon rains also moisten and flood the fields with water, which makes it perfect for playing in proper mud.

While Mud Day is a significant day of joy and respect to mother nature, there is still a stigma associated with playing in the mud, especially in the lens of wealthier families, due to its association with low-income work. However, the beauty of Mud Day is the fact that it brings everyone together, from children to even political leaders.

Mud Day teaches the lesson that everyone is welcome, regardless of caste, social status, income, age, or ethnicity, it treats everyone equally. It is especially important for children that live in orphanages who, at times, have very challenging times in their lives. Mud Day helps bring cheer and joy to these children, and shows that life isn’t simply a tough grind, but it can be a rewarding experience too.

The main lesson Mud Day teaches is that nature does not discriminate, because we as human beings, belong to it. It is important for children to learn this lesson, knowing they don’t have to be labeled as one thing or another because of who they are, Mud Day is incredibly valuable in teaching us how to be one with nature and, above all, to be human.

Bishnu Bhatta, Panchakhal in Nepal

Long before we have the actual Mud Day, our students spend time as ‘mud preppers’! Children rake the area around the mud pit for leaves, sticks and stones, working as a team to ensure the area was cleaned. Each class gets an opportunity to help prep the area including stomping the mud. This year Midland brick has kindly donated clay to support our event – it’s the same clay used for the elephant enclosure at the Perth Zoo!

Every family and community member (who wishes to!) will have the opportunity to go down our Mud Slide. Because of the size of the school (Pre-Kindy to Yr 12), we do this by class/year group starting with our youngest students. We also have a number of muddy activities for students to take part in.

We start the day with an opening ceremony at 9am. We will have the Wildspace fire (plus marshmallows!) going along with hot showers and a free hot chocolate drink.