Kailali. With the objective of preserving and promoting the original language, literature, folk culture and traditional knowledge of the Tharu community, ‘Sunna Sunaina’ based on the Tharu folk epic ‘Barkimar’ has been held. The program was attended by people’s representatives, culture lovers, Badghar, Bhalmansa, local intellectuals and the general public.

Chairman of Janaki Rural Municipality Ganesh Chaudhary was the chief guest and vice-chairperson of Janaki Rural Municipality Lalmati Dangaura Kathariya was present as the special guest.

Similarly, Chief Administrative Officer of the rural municipality Josana Joshi, former vice-chairperson Uma Mahato, ward chairpersons of different wards of the rural municipality, culture lovers, Badghar, Bhalmansa and locals were also present in the program.

The Tharu folk epic ‘Barkimar’ is considered as an important expression of the original folklore, cultural identity and tradition of the Tharu community that has been passed down for generations. It is believed that the recitation, interpretation and listening of such folk epics will play an important role in passing on the historical memory, lifestyle, social values and cultural heritage of the community to the new generation.

Chandra Prasad Chaudhary was the chief speaker of the program. Similarly, Jaggu Prasad Chaudhary, Jagbir Chaudhary and Som Damon Daura participated in the recitation and interpretation of the folk epic. The participants listened with interest as the readers presented the folk epic in the traditional style. The program is expected to help increase the attraction of the new generation towards the oral tradition and folklore of the Tharu community.

To make the program more attractive, the local artists also presented the traditional Sakhiya dance. The Sakhiya dance, which carries the unique cultural identity of the Tharu community, added to the excitement of the program and highlighted the importance of local art, costumes, music and dance.

Such cultural programs are expected to help preserve the language, folklore, art and tradition of the Tharu community, keep the cultural identity alive and make the new generation aware of their original heritage. In addition, such programs are considered important to increase cooperation between the local level, cultural activists, Badghar, Bhalmansa and all aspects of the community.

The ‘Sunna Sunaina’ program, based on the recitation and interpretation of the Tharu folk epic ‘Barkimar’, has given a positive message for the preservation, generational and promotion of local original culture. There is a need to continue such programs to safely transfer the invaluable cultural heritage of the Tharu community to the next generation.