KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of the Tharu community’s indigenous culture, language, and identity.

Speaking at the Tharu National Maghi Festival held in Kathmandu on Thursday, PM Karki highlighted that the Tharu community resides extensively across Nepal, from Kanchanpur in the west to Jhapa in the east, and throughout various districts of the Terai-Madhesh region.

She emphasized that wherever the Tharu community spreads, both domestically and internationally, it is important to uphold their unique cultural heritage, language, identity, and traditions.

The Prime Minister noted that communities across Nepal celebrate festivals on Magh 1 according to their own names, styles, and traditions. While the ways of celebration may differ, she stressed that the essence of all festivals remains the same—mutual respect, unity, harmony, and coexistence.

“From Kanchanpur in the west to Jhapa in the east, the Tharu community has a dense presence across the Terai-Madhesh region and today, even as it spreads across the country and abroad, safeguarding their indigenous culture, language, identity, and traditions is our shared responsibility. This is why we celebrate the Maghi festival so grandly in Kathmandu today,” she said.

PM Karki further said, “On Magh 1, various communities in Nepal celebrate their festivals in different names, styles, and traditions. Although the ways differ, their essence is the same: mutual respect, unity, harmony, and coexistence. We are diverse, yet united. We are many, yet together. It is in our togetherness that we are complete. Nepal stands as a unique example of unity, harmony, and coexistence in the world. This is our cultural identity, and this is our strength.”

She underlined the importance of advancing the nation toward peace, stability, and prosperity through mutual goodwill, trust, and cooperation. “In the present circumstances, it is essential for all of us to move forward with restraint and unity. By embracing the essence of these cultural festivals, the government, communities, and citizens alike must play an active role in promoting peace, tolerance, harmony, and national unity,” she added.

PM Karki concluded by reiterating that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and promote the Tharu community’s indigenous culture, language, and identity.