ILAM: Mangshebung Rural Municipality in Ilam district is all set to construct a full-size statue of national luminary, Falgunanda Lingden, along with a park to preserve his legacy and promote religious and cultural tourism.

Falgunanda, a revered religious leader, is known for his significant contributions to the preservation of Kirati religion, language, traditions and culture. He is also known for his social reform.

The statue is being constructed at Bhanjyang in Mangshebung-3 within a proposed religious and cultural zone.

The image will stand 25 feet tall. It is claimed to be the tallest and largest statue of Falgunanda built so far.

Mangshebung Rural Municipality chairperson Hemanta Rai said the project aims to keep the memory and teachings of the revered guru alive for generations. A construction committee led by local resident Rajendra Khajumhas been formed to carry out the project.

According to him, the statue and park were being developed on a site covering three ropani and two aana of land.

Extending the support, the local government has allocated Rs 3.6 million for it in the current fiscal year, while Rs 2.5 million was allocated in the previous fiscal year. The budget of the last fiscal year was used to prepare the site, develop the park area and construct the statue’s foundation.

Chair Rai informed RSS that the project aims to promote Kirat religion, culture and indigenous identity while developing Mangshebung into a major destination for religious and cultural tourism.

“Mangshebung is the birthplace of national luminary Mahaguru Falgunanda and, in recent times, it has also become a significant place for current Kirati religious leader Atmananda Lingden,” Rai said. He added that works were being ramped up to establish the area as a prominent religious and cultural tourism spot.

Construction committee chair Khajum said plans were also underway to develop additional infrastructures, beautify the site and introduce attractions for visitors.

Eight smaller statues will be placed around the full-size statue of Falgunanda. The park will also feature gazebos for tourists and a traditional wooden swing, he informed. Spaces will be managed for cultural performances, including Chyabrung and Sakela, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich cultural tradition.