BAJURA, JUNE 18
The centuries-old pottery profession of the Kumal community in Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura, is being revived with the support of the local government after facing near extinction. The municipality has launched a skills training and technology support program to preserve the traditional craft of making clay pots.
In the past, members of the Kumal community residing in Ward 8 of Budhiganga used to make clay pots. However, over the past two decades, the profession has nearly vanished.
Budhiganga Municipality Mayor Ram Bahadur Baniya said the practice of pottery in Ward 8 had been declining for the past two decades. To reverse this trend, the municipality is currently providing a month-long training to 20 locals, along with necessary technical support.
Potter Lal Bahadur Kumal shared that younger generations are now showing interest in reviving the profession. Locals said the craft was fading due to lack of market demand and institutional support. Clay suitable for pottery is also scarce, and the labor-intensive nature of the work offered little financial return.
Mayor Baniya said the municipality would help market and purchase locally made pottery products to ensure sustainability. Artisans traditionally produce items such as ghadya (water pots), drinking vessels, and tachela (shallow trays), and other utensils used in religious ceremonies and daily life. In the summer, clay vessels such as ghyampo, bhiunta, and gagro are especially popular for keeping water cool, and are sold not only in villages but also in urban markets.
Water stored in such vessels is said to taste better, has a fresh earthen aroma, and provides a cooling effect. Health workers also note that water stored in clay pots has health benefits due to its cooling and purifying qualities.
