Rai-based Knowledge Festival Concludes in Bhojpur Municipality Aimed at Preserving Indigenous Culture

Bhojpur. The 'Indigenous Knowledge Festival' was concluded in Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality with the objective of preserving, promoting, and transferring indigenous knowledge, skills, traditions, and culture that are becoming extinct at the grassroots level. The festival was organized for five days with the goal of institutionalizing the unique knowledge found in villages and passing it on to the new generation.

Various programs related to indigenous knowledge, culture, education, tourism, and social awareness were conducted during the festival, organized in collaboration with stakeholders. Organizers stated that the festival attempted to strengthen local identity and share the knowledge residing within the community.

During the Indigenous Knowledge Festival, a training program related to Sakela dance, which is connected to Kirat culture, was conducted. Local youth and participants practiced traditional dance, songs, and culture during the training. It was mentioned that this helped develop interest and a sense of pride in their unique culture among the younger generation.

Similarly, a panel discussion was held on the topic 'Indigenous Taste and Ownership in Tourism' featuring Sachin Dangal, Dil Kumar Rai, and Pabihang Rai, who are involved in the tourism sector. During the discussion, speakers expressed the view that employment and economic opportunities can be created by linking indigenous cuisine, local products, and cultural heritage with tourism. They emphasized that tourism cannot be sustainable without the ownership and participation of the local community.

Under the festival, Rural Municipality Chairman Thambhadur Rai, Surya Rai, and Rajat Rai held a panel discussion on the topic 'Indigenous Dreams in Education'. The discussion involved in-depth deliberation on developing an education system according to local needs, skill-based education, and creating possibilities within the country.

Furthermore, a panel discussion was held on the topic 'Politics of Pleasing the Masses' among Rijan Ranamagar, Yajashwi Rai, and Prakash Rai. Program coordinator Rajan Rai, Chief of Tayajong Media and Production Pvt. Ltd., informed that the discussion focused on how indigenous values, beliefs, and culture can be linked with policy formulation and political practice. According to him, experts from various fields, cultural activists, and local leaders were gathered in one place for an in-depth discussion on indigenous knowledge.

Rural Municipality Chairman Thambhadur Rai stated that the rural municipality has been continuously organizing the Indigenous Knowledge Festival for the past three years with the objective of preserving indigenous knowledge, skills, and culture and passing them on to the new generation. He mentioned that the program is being continued with the goal of preserving and making sustainable the unique culture, traditions, and skills found in villages.

"We have been continuously organizing the program with the objective of preserving indigenous knowledge and passing on culture and tradition to the new generation," said Chairman Rai, "We have tried to connect the transfer of knowledge by gathering experts on various subjects and publicizing their views."

According to him, the Indigenous Knowledge Festival has contributed positively not only to the preservation of local identity but also to social unity, community participation, and local development. The rural municipality has stated that there are plans to make the festival more systematic and effective in the coming days.