Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has emphasized the potential of integrating indigenous art and culture with tourism to empower local communities economically.
In his message on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti and Maghi Festival, Chief Minister Acharya stated that preserving and promoting indigenous art and culture is a shared responsibility. He highlighted that leveraging cultural assets for tourism can be a catalyst for community-level economic growth.
“Our society is multiethnic, multilingual, multireligious, multicultural, and geographically diverse. These attributes form our unique identity,” he remarked. “The Lumbini Province government envisions economic and social development through the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of cultural values. Prioritizing the integration of indigenous art and culture with tourism will drive the economic empowerment of communities.”
The diverse population of Lumbini Province, spanning the Terai, hills, and mountainous regions, celebrates Maghe Sankranti and Maghi Festival in their unique ways. The Tharu community marks the occasion as a major festival and New Year, while Magar and Yadav communities celebrate it with significant cultural importance.
As in previous years, the Lumbini Province government has declared a public holiday for Maghe Sankranti and Maghi Festival. Gangadhar Pandey, Senior Branch Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, confirmed the holiday decision made during the provincial cabinet meeting on March 20, 2080.
Chief Minister Acharya reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to safeguarding cultural values and traditions, recognizing them as vital components for sustainable tourism and economic development.
The celebrations of Maghe Sankranti and Maghi not only reflect Nepal’s rich cultural diversity but also serve as an opportunity to promote unity, heritage, and prosperity through cultural tourism.
