Mother, father groups working to preserve cultures in Rukum

BY RAJU LAMICHHANE,Rukum West, Jan. 21: Aama Samuha in the Musikot Municipality-10 of Rukum West has been continuously working for the empowerment, development and preservation of traditional customs, rituals and culture of the district. 

These groups have united locals in village development efforts and managed cultural activities such as fairs, festivals, weddings and feasts.

The Pariwartansheel Aama Samuha, established 10 years ago by the mothers of the Kami Budha Chaur Tole in the ward, is focused on improving the conditions of women and preserving the village's customs and culture. 

The Chairperson of the group, Sukamati Oli, said that the mother group performs local dances like ‘Painseru’ and ‘Singaru’ during weddings, religious ceremonies and cultural programmes. She added that the group wears traditional attire during these performances to preserve the village's ancient culture and traditions. The group also holds regular monthly meetings, collects funds and provides low-interest loans to its members to support income-generating activities.

In this same locality, there are two ‘Painseru’ groups, known as father groups, which consist solely of men. Chairman of the group, Khim Bahadur Oli, who also serves as the chairperson of the local development committee, said that with the money collected from playing ‘Deusi,’ the group purchased 130 square metres of land under the name of the local development committee. 

Additionally, the group has purchased musical instruments, including the ‘Damaha,’ ‘Paejan,’ ‘Dauri,’ ‘Madal’ and ‘Jhyal,’ which are used in weddings, religious ceremonies and cultural programmes.

Karna Bahadur Budha, Chairman of the Painseru group established nine years ago in the Kami Budha locality, said that the group has savings of around Rs. 300,000 and provides loans to its members at a low interest rate.

 He said that the group offers financial assistance for the treatment of those who suffer from severe illness or accidents. Additionally, the group participates in dance performances during festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies. In the Namunabasti locality, another male group, led by Hiralal Kathayat, is also active. 

Ward Chairman Dhan Bahadur Khadka said that there are seven mother groups and three male groups in the ward. These groups have contributed significantly to preserving local traditions and cultures. They have also gathered essential household items for various functions, such as weddings, feasts, religious ceremonies and fasting rituals.