HETAUDA: Bagmati Province’s Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing necessary support to protect and promote the unique cultural heritage of the marginalized Chepang community.
In a message of best wishes issued today marking the Nwagi (Chhonam), a major festival of the Chepang community, CM Thapa Magar pledged continued government support for the preservation and development of the distinct cultures of different ethnic and indigenous communities living in the Province.
Describing Nwagi as an important festival closely linked to Bagmati Province’s cultural identity, Thapa Magar said its celebration not only strengthens the Chepang community’s distinct cultural identity but also keeps its traditional values and practices alive.
He observed that Nepal’s strength lies in its rich diversity, describing the country as multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious.
Despite these differences, the CM argued that unity in diversity and national pride remains shared values among all Nepalis.
On the occasion, CM Thapa Magar also expressed confidence that Nwagi would help foster social harmony and inspire people to move forward together to strengthen nationalism, democracy and the republic while building a more prosperous and inclusive society.
Extending his best wishes to Chepang people at home and abroad on the occasion, he wished them happiness, peace, prosperity and continued progress.
The population of Chepang stood over 84,000, constituting 0.29 per cent of the country’s total population as of 2021 census.
Chepang is one of the most marginalized indigenous communities in the country whose habitats were recorded across 26 of the 77 districts.
