Dhankuta, November 3
A museum built to preserve the history and culture of the Aathpahariya community in Dhankuta has yet to open, although most construction work is complete.
The delay is due to pending interior arrangements, collection of exhibits and a lack of agreement on who will operate it.
The two-storey building, constructed on around three ropanis of land near Bihibare Hatiya in Dhankuta Municipality-4, has 10 rooms and a main hall. Its thatched roof reflects traditional architecture.
The museum was scheduled to open during Wadangmet, the community’s major festival, last year. The federal government allocated Rs 5 million in 2021/22, while the municipality provided Rs 20.8 million. The building cost Rs 25.8 million, but interior arrangements and technical preparations remain incomplete.
The museum will display traditional clothing, musical instruments, agricultural tools, household items and objects of religious and cultural significance. It will also document the community’s history and customs.
Komal Aathpahariya, central general secretary of the Kirat Aathpahariya Society, said the exhibits would cover the community’s lifestyle, labour culture, social practices and religious beliefs. They will also include details of 22 Margathani and 52 Chule, or traditional large households, and rituals observed from birth to death.
The society hopes to open the museum during Wadangmet in Mangsir this year, said its central vice-president, Surya Aathpahariya. However, the operating arrangement remains unresolved.
The municipality is considering providing an annual grant before handing over management to the society. Surya said the municipality should operate the museum initially and transfer responsibility only after it begins generating income.
Municipality information officer Bikash Adhikari said discussions were underway on the management model. He said documenting Aathpahariya traditions was important as modern lifestyles and generational changes were transforming the community’s culture.
The Aathpahariya community, with around 6,000 people, celebrates three major festivals: Bishu, Nwagi and Wadangmet. The society expects the museum to preserve its heritage and help visitors learn about its history and traditional life.
