The Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality has launched a comprehensive program to preserve various cultural, historical, and heritage sites in the region. This initiative aims to safeguard these valuable assets and ensure their transmission to future generations.
Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the municipality’s efforts to protect their cultural heritage. Sanjay Kulung, a resident, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The work being done by the municipality in preserving our historical heritage and cultural traditions is exemplary. If these treasures are not preserved, they cannot be passed on to future generations. Many ancient customs, traditions, and ways of life are at risk of disappearing.”
The municipality, with support from local and international communities, has commenced the construction of the ‘Sorinem Tosikhom’ (Ancestral House), which is central to the Thulung community’s culture. According to Municipal Chairperson Prem Kumar Rai, efforts are being made to keep such traditional cultures alive through preservation and development. The municipality is working methodically to protect and promote these historical and cultural assets, with plans to link them to religious tourism.
“Hatuwagadhi has numerous historical sites,” said Chairperson Rai. “We are focusing on the preservation and promotion of these sites, along with infrastructure development. We aim to integrate these areas with tourism to boost local income and create job opportunities.”
The municipality has allocated a budget over various fiscal years to support these preservation and development activities. Chief Administrative Officer Mahesh Niraula emphasized the urgency of preservation, given the threat of extinction faced by many languages, customs, and cultural practices. “Our goal is to protect these historical sites and cultural traditions, ensuring they reach new generations,” Niraula explained. “By identifying and promoting these historical areas, we hope to link them to religious tourism, which will not only elevate the local economy but also create employment opportunities.”
The municipality’s systematic approach includes protecting various deities’ sites, researching ancient customs, and constructing memorials for different ethnic groups. The community’s involvement and support have been pivotal in these preservation efforts, setting a precedent for safeguarding Nepal’s rich cultural heritage for years to come.
