BHARATPUR: Nepal’s first museum dedicated to the Pariyar community is set to be constructed in Patihani, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-22, under the leadership of Pariyar Ekta Samaj Chitwan.
The ‘Pariyar Community Museum’ aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and skills of the Pariyar community.
Suraj Pariyar, Chairperson of Pariyar Ekta Samaj Chitwan, shared that the museum will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 20 million.
“The new generation lacks awareness about our traditional professions and heritage,” he said. “We’re building this museum so they can learn and reconnect with our cultural roots.”
The museum project has already completed the foundation and DPC (Damp Proof Course) phase with support from Bharatpur Metropolitan City. A four-storey structure is planned, which will also include an assembly hall. The city has provided land for the construction.
The Pariyar community, traditionally known by surnames such as Darji, Sushikar, Nagarchi, Dholi, and Hudke, has long been involved in music and tailoring.
Their customary role includes initiating cultural events—like weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies—by playing Panchebaja (a traditional set of musical instruments), and making garments. However, with changing times, these traditions are fading.
Sher Bahadur Pariyar, a senior leader of the community, expressed concern over the declining knowledge of traditional practices among the younger generation.
“We taught other communities to play these instruments and sew clothes. But our own children have not learned these skills. If we don’t preserve them now, our cultural history could vanish within a few years,” he said.
The museum will house traditional musical instruments, clothing, and sewing tools once used by the community. It will also serve as a center where people can learn to play Panchebaja and explore other cultural elements of the Pariyar heritage.
Traditionally, from birth to death, members of the Pariyar community wore clothes sewn within the community and played music for all significant life events.
The museum is envisioned not only as a cultural archive but also as a potential tourist attraction that will help preserve and showcase the ethnic identity of the Pariyar people.
The project, which aims to be completed within three years, has so far raised Rs 1 million out of the Rs 20 million needed. Fundraising efforts are ongoing.
“We are working in collaboration with Bharatpur Metropolitan City, the provincial government, and various organizations and individuals,” said Treasurer Dilli Bahadur Pariyar. “With everyone’s support, we hope to develop this museum into a cultural and educational hub for the Pariyar community.” The Pariyar population in Nepal is estimated to be around 600,000.
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