Tharu museum being constructed in Baijanath

BY SIRAJ KHAN,Nepalgunj, Dec. 9: A Tharu museum is set to be constructed in Baijanath Rural Municipality of Banke. According to the rural municipality, the museum aims to preserve and promote the traditional art, culture and heritage of the Tharu community residing in the area.

Vice Chairperson Nirmala Rokaya informed that the decision to establish the museum was made in response to demands from the Tharu community to safeguard their art and culture. The museum will also cater to the Tharu communities from Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur and Dang districts in western Nepal.

Previously, the rural municipality had enacted and implemented legislation to protect, promote and develop the Tharu community’s traditional ‘Barghar system’, a traditional community governance structure in the Tharu community. The legislation also includes provisions for the construction of the Tharu Museum. After organising and uniting 36 Bargars (heads of the Barghar system) within the municipality, detailed discussions and consultations were held with them to gather feedback and suggestions on this matter.

During these discussions, the Bargars emphasised the need to undertake activities that would preserve the identity of the Tharu community. On the occasion, Vice Chairperson Rokaya expressed the municipality's commitment to providing financial support for the protection of Tharu art, culture, traditions, customs and attire. 

Chandra Bahadaur Chaudhary, Chairman of the Baijanath Rural Municipality Bargar Committee, welcomed the decision, stating that the establishment of the museum would significantly help maintain the identity of the Tharu people. He said that Bargar committees had been formed in all wards of the rural municipality. 

The municipality has already published the Bargar Act and related regulations in the official gazette and efforts are underway to implement them effectively.