BHOJPUR: Taksar (Bhojpur), Feb 6: Bhojpur, a district in eastern Nepal, is renowned for its khukuri, a traditional weapon produced locally that has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.
However, the khukuri industry is facing significant challenges due to a shortage of skilled artisans and raw materials.
The lack of skilled workers is expected to worsen, primarily due to the outflow of young people seeking foreign jobs and education.
Ghanashyam Bishwokarma, who operates a furnace for making khukuris, explained, “The number of furnaces used to heat and forge metal into khukuris has drastically declined in the district.”
Key areas where the khukuris are traditionally produced include Kot, Dalgaon, Gogane, Khawa, Khairang, Taksar, Bokhim, Danwa, Timma, Dingla, Deurali, and Jarayotar.
Entrepreneurs in the region have expressed concerns about the scarcity of raw materials like coal and sal wood, combined with a shrinking workforce, which is threatening the future of the Bhojpure khukuri industry.
Dinesh Gajmer, the owner of Ranjita Khukuri Industry, stated, “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find artisans, leading to a decline in khukuri production.
However, demand for the weapon is rising, and those still working in the industry are paid well to continue the craft.”
The Bhojpure khukuri is not just a weapon, but also a prized gift and decorative item.
Various types of khukuris are produced in the district, including sirupate, banspate, chitlange, kothimuda, panwala, dharkhole, and budune.
Hira Shrestha, owner of Urmila Furnace Industry, recalled, “When King Mahendra visited Bhojpur in 1970, Singha Bahadur BK from Bokhim presented him with a khukuri, which significantly boosted the product’s visibility.”
Locally, khukuris are sold for prices ranging from Rs 800 to 1,800. In rural areas, the budune and banspate varieties are most commonly used.
Apart from local demand, khukuris are also sold in places like Dharan, Udayapur, Sankhuwasabha, and Kathmandu.
Industry leaders have urged the government to assist in preserving and supporting the khukuri-making tradition.
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