Increasing visitors to traditional mud houses

Tansen Correspondent,Tansen, Mar. 7: More people are showing interest in traditional Kundule (round) houses. The round house within Lakhan Thapa Park in Mathagadhi-3, Sarai, has, of late, witnessed a steady rise in the number of visitors.

Local Huma Darlami stated that the house was constructed with contributions from the community and various organisations. A few generations ago, the Magar community traditionally lived in round houses, but modernisation led to their decline. To preserve this heritage, a museum featuring a mud house was built with the support of the locals. 

Inside the house, artifacts used by the Magar community for generations are displayed, including traditional household items, farming tools, utensils and clothing. The house retains its authentic design, with wooden windows and doors. According to Kamala Bidi, president of the Phoolbari Women’s Group, visitors leave with a sense of joy after witnessing this glimpse of the past.

In recent times, visitors, particularly the younger generation, have been making TikTok videos and short reels in and around the round house. Only a few of these houses remain in rural areas like Nisdi and Purba Khola, making this urban recreation of the round house a valuable attraction.

Chairman of Mathagadhi Rural Municipality, Yam Bahadur Chidi, emphasised that the mud house in Lakhan Thapa Park offers historical and cultural insights. The municipality has invested in improving the park and locals believe further development of the round house could boost tourism while preserving heritage. Currently, visitors come mainly on Saturdays and public holidays.