DANG: The Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has said that it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve culture.

Inaugurating the Magh Cultural Festival–2082 (Tharu Sambat 2649), organised by Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha Dang, he stated that Lumbini Province is adorned with every caste, culture, and customs, and that the provincial government is working for the development of all.

CM Acharya said, “This province is like a single garland. Although each community here has its own costumes and culture, we are united in harmony, which is the identity and speciality of the whole of Nepal.”

He expressed happiness that the Tharu community, known as the ‘sons of the soil’, has preserved their culture and highlighted the need to now promote their culture to gain commercial benefits.

Chief Minister Acharya mentioned that a Tharu Cultural Museum has been established in Chakhaura, Dang with the support of the provincial government and that the museum is attracting both domestic and international tourists.
The provincial government is undertaking various activities to preserve the Tharu culture, he added.

At the festival, former Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, former MP Shanta Chaudhary, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Narulal Chaudhary and others extended their best wishes.

Maghauta dances, Chokra, Hurdungya dances and Dhumri songs were performed at the festival.

Prior to the inauguration of the festival organised with the main slogan ‘Economic awakening and cultural transformation is our campaign, our contribution to prosperity including social justice’, a parade with Tharu traditional costumes and tableaux was held around the main town area of Ghorahi.