Talking to media persons and social workers who reached their habitat Friday, they said they had the desire to wear a coat this winter season. [break]
Rautes who would not accept any gifts of clothes tailored by machine or any new clothes, showed quite a concern for coat this time round.
The Raute male usually wear a ´gado´ (piece of plain cloth) and women wear old clothes received from begging.
"Dashain is round the corner, if one of you gave one coat to each of us in this Dashain, this jungle king will wear it and dance with merriment before you," said Raute Chief Main Bahadur Shahi.
Raute community´s Hari Bahadur Shahi also urged all to bring coats rather than other helps. He said, "We do not need anything else, a coat can be a better gift".
The community which thinks it is a sin to touch money, has been changing from their ancient traditions in recent days. Asked whether they would wear if they are given pants and shirts, Chief Main Bahadur said, "What will be the difference between you and us if we wear that?"
When asked why then a coat? He said in a jolly mood, "As your prime minister wears a coat, we, the prime minister of the jungle should also wear a coat, that´s why we asked for it."
Rautes have urged to send 26 pieces of coats before the Dashain festival, the greatest festival of the Nepalis and the Hindus all over the world.
In latest days, Rautes have been developing a fad for alcohol. They have started consuming maximum amount of alcohol.
The alcohol produced locally is too little for Rautes, says one local of Dhanabang Gandapani. They have started to spend their allowances given by the government in drinking.
Health minister himself insults the white coat!