Tharus from the mid west and far west of Nepal have been practicing the "Badghar" system, where a "Badghar" is elected chief of a village or a small group of villages for a year. The election generally takes place in January or February after celebrating the "Maghi Festival" and after completing major farming activities. In most cases, each household in the village which engages in farming has one voting right for electing a "Badghar". Thus the election is based on a count of households count rather than a headcount. The role of the "Badghar" is to work for the welfare of the village. The "Badghar" direct the villagers to repair canals or streets when needed. They also oversee and manages the cultural traditions of the villages. They have an authority of punishing those who do not follow their orders or who go against the welfare of the village. Generally the "Badghar" has a Chaukidar to help him. With the consent of the villagers the "Badghar" may appoint a "Guruwa" who is the medic and chief priest of the village.