Key Takeaways:

• Museum inaugurated by former CM Dorman Poudel on Indigenous Peoples' Day
• Features statues of 14 communities, including Tamang, Chepang, Tharu, Gurung
• Plans to expand to 26 indigenous communities of Makwanpur
• Ceremony included cultural performances and traditional attire displays

A new ethnic museum showcasing the cultural identities of 14 communities has been established at Shahid Smarak in Hetauda, with its promoters saying it will help preserve Nepal's diverse cultural heritage for future generations.

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The museum was inaugurated by Dorman Poudel, former chief minister of Bagmati Province and chairperson of the Shahid Smarak Development Committee, on the occasion of the 32nd International Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The newly established museum features statues representing Brahmin, Tamang, Chepang, Bankariya, Sherpa, Danuwar, Sunuwar, Limbu, Kirat Rai Yayokkha, Majhi, Tharu, Newar, Magar and Gurung communities.

Poudel said the museum was only a beginning and that efforts would be made to incorporate the identities of 26 indigenous communities of Makwanpur.

He stressed that indigenous peoples' day should not be limited to an annual ceremony, but should also promote the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge and traditions to younger generations.

"Many things still need to be added. This is only the beginning," Poudel said, emphasising the need to provide detailed information about different communities to help reduce discrimination and promote social harmony.

The inauguration ceremony also featured cultural performances reflecting the traditional lifestyles, arts and customs of different communities. The Shahid Smarak premises took on a festive appearance with local participants dressed in traditional attire and performing with traditional musical instruments.

Representatives of various ethnic communities, District Coordination Committee chief Lalit Bahadur Ghalan, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City mayor Mina Kumari Lama and former district development committee chairperson Rameshwar Rana attended the programme.