Our cultures are open museums: Minister Pandey

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 22: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey has said that creative initiatives in memory of renowned musician Arun Thapa have helped raise cultural awareness and consciousness within Nepali society.

Speaking at the 26th Memorial Day of the late Arun Thapa Magar during a cultural event and felicitation ceremony, Minister Pandey emphasised that culture is not an inanimate object but the foundation of life and the vital essence of society.

He said, “Culture is alive. We are living as part of an open museum. Our language, lifestyle, food habits, and way of thinking are all unique, and this very diversity is our strength.”

Minister Pandey said that currently, 131 languages are spoken in Nepal, with more expected to be added to the list. According to him, 105 proposals have already been received for listing intangible cultural heritage.

“We believe in the tradition of treating guests as gods. We are working to further strengthen the intangible aspects of culture and set future directions accordingly,” said the minister.

He added that traditional cultural elements such as Deuda, Kauda, and various ethnic dances are now being brought into the mainstream. Minister Pandey expressed confidence that once the culture-related policy is finalised and passed, intangible heritages will gain formal recognition.

During the programme, Prem Bahadur Thapa was specially honoured for his contributions to the culture of the Magar community.