Homestay programme in Lafa village to start soon

By Our Correspondent,Hile, Jan 18: Lafa Village, situated in Mudhewas, Chaubise Rural Municipality-2, Dhankuta, is home exclusively to the Magar community. 

The village, comprising 95 households, has been contemplating the launching of a homestay programme for several years.

Following the first local election, a plan was introduced to start the homestay service in this area. 

With support from the provincial government, a museum too was built to promote the art and culture of the Magar community. 

Even after over seven years of deliberations, the programme has not yet been put into action.

The municipality now witnesses a second term of elected representatives, but the homestay programme has not materialised. 

According to ward chairperson Rajkumar Limbu, the programme has been delayed due to the busy schedules of the locals. 

“Last year, we allocated a budget for homestay training, but no one showed up, so the training programme did not move forward,” said Limbu. 

He added that this time, they plan to collaborate with the Cottage and Small Industries Office, Dhankuta, to conduct the training.

One local, Pujan Magar, also acknowledged that despite long-standing efforts to initiate homestay services in the Magar settlement, the programme is yet to begin commercially. 

He noted that the area, located along the under-construction Ranke-Rabi-Bhedetar Highway, faces challenges in accommodating visitors during events. 

Preparations are now underway to launch the homestay service soon.

The Magar community here has traditionally been engaged in agriculture, which provides a substantial income. 

According to another local, Amrit Dev Thapa, the focus on agriculture has kept residents from considering homestay services. 

He mentioned that although the area experiences water shortages, the cool climate allows for abundant cultivation of cabbage and potatoes during the monsoon season. 

Locals are often occupied with fertilising fields in winter and farming during the monsoon, leaving little time to explore other opportunities. 

However, he noted that people are gradually working on starting the homestay service.

Deputy Chairperson of the municipality, Tankamaya Pangmi Magar, agreed that the busy schedules of the community have delayed the carrying out of the homestay programme, despite its necessity. 

She added that the service could promote tourism in the area, preserve Magar culture and provide economic opportunities for the locals. 

Preparations for launching the homestay programme are currently underway.