In observance of World Indigenous Peoples Day, formal events unfolded across various locations on Wednesday, though Resham Darai’s heartache hindered his participation. Resham, a resident of Khadgouli village in Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality-23 Jagatpur, remained rooted in his own village, representing the Darai tribe of the Chitwan plains. Khadgouli, an aged Darai settlement, houses a substantial Darai community.
Resham Nepal Darai, President of the Chitwan district’s Upliftment Society, shared his dedication to completing the long-pending construction of a cultural museum for the Darai community in Khadgouli. “While World Indigenous Day holds significance, our focus remains on expediting the museum’s completion,” expressed Resham.
Baburam Darai’s generous donation of 13 dhur land for the institution kickstarted the museum’s construction in February 2078. The intended museum will curate artifacts, tools, and attire central to Darai rituals, spanning from birth to demise. Estimated to cost 7.5 million Nepali rupees, the project received an initial grant of 2.7 million rupees from the Bagmati provincial government.
The museum structure will feature a ground-floor museum area, while the upper floor is designated for a program hall and offices. However, progress has stagnated since the completion of the first-floor infrastructure. “Although we applied the initial grant and an additional 250,000 rupees from the ward office for plastering the first floor, the challenge lies in securing further funding,” Resham lamented.
Excitement has arisen with the expectation of an additional three lakh rupees from the ward office. Resham commented on the discussions held to optimize the utilization of this fresh budget allocation, and further consultations are scheduled for August 2.
Khadgouli, located near the Rapti river, is characterized by relatively barren terrain. The village’s name originates from the Darai language, translating to “barren land.” Resident Mangra Darai conveyed that this ancestral village is home to generations of Darai, who have witnessed transformations in their economic circumstances over the years.
Resham recounted the changing agricultural landscape in Darai communities, where once prosperous farmlands have given way to economic challenges. He noted the introduction of modern agricultural practices led to land erosion and financial hardships. The practice of charging for irrigation water disrupted the traditional cultivation of crops such as corn, millet, mustard, and rice.
Dhanu Darai, President of the Khadgouli Darai Tol Development Society, emphasized the erosion of ancestral lands and the imperative of preserving traditions and culture. “Our festivals and rituals are fading away, and even the language is being forgotten,” shared Mangra, expressing concerns about the diminishing cultural heritage.
As elders pass on, the risk of cultural and linguistic amnesia looms large. The once-vibrant festival of Sohrai, celebrated during Tihar, serves as a poignant example of cultural erosion. The rituals and practices associated with Sohrai have dwindled over the past decade, highlighting the urgency of cultural preservation.
Bindu Darai, an elected ward member, highlighted the need for proactive planning that considers the Darai community’s unique needs. She underscored the importance of raising awareness within the community and advocating for its interests.
According to the 2078 census, Nepal’s Darai community encompasses 18,695 individuals, with 8,850 residing in Chitwan district. As World Indigenous Peoples Day sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of communities like the Darai, local initiatives and concerted efforts take on greater significance in preserving their rich cultural tapestry.