Sunsari, October 14
A museum showcasing the history, lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Tharu community has opened in Ramdhuni Municipality-2, Sunsari.
Established to preserve the Tharu community’s cultural identity and familiarise younger generations with their ancestors’ traditions, the museum houses more than 150 models and artefacts.
Spread across three kattha and 10 dhur of land, the museum was established in 2077 BS with a budget of Rs 3.5 million provided by the federal government under the Tarai-Madhes Prosperity Programme for fiscal year 2076/77 BS, said Ram Narayan Chaudhary, a member of Ramdhuni Municipality-2.
The museum features statues and artistic structures depicting Tharu rituals from birth to death, along with aspects of the community’s lifestyle and cultural practices. These exhibits help preserve the community’s identity and enable younger generations to learn about their cultural heritage, Chaudhary said.
Ramdhuni Municipality allocated Rs 700,000 in fiscal year 2082/83 for the museum’s protection, maintenance and the addition of new exhibits. The municipality has been allocating between Rs 500,000 and Rs 700,000 annually for the museum’s management and preservation, he said.
Although the museum attracts both domestic and foreign tourists, it has not received adequate publicity, Chaudhary said, stressing the need to raise awareness of its significance.
He added that the Tharu Museum would contribute to preserving the community’s historical and cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
