UNESCO, Tourism Ministry Begin Listing Intangible Cultural Heritage of Thame
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Kathmandu, June 10: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with UNESCO Kathmandu, has started the process of documenting and listing the intangible cultural heritage of Thame in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu.
The initiative aims to preserve the cultural traditions of the Himalayan region, particularly those of the Sherpa community, and strengthen heritage protection efforts in Nepal.
The documentation process follows the avalanche-triggered flooding that struck Thame in August 2023, causing significant damage to settlements and property. UNESCO conducted a community-based study to assess the disaster’s impact on local culture and identify heritage elements at risk.
According to researchers, the listing includes traditional Sherpa foods such as potato bread, sorkim, tho and rildom, as well as cultural festivals and rituals including Mani Rimdu, Dumji, Lhosar, Chechu, Chirim and Bidai.
Speaking at a discussion programme in Nagarkot, Ministry Under-Secretary Suresh Suraj Shrestha said the government has launched a nationwide campaign to identify and document intangible cultural heritage in all seven provinces in line with UNESCO guidelines.
UNESCO representative Yako Du Toit said the study focuses on the Sherpa community and that the final documentation will be prepared after incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
Officials also stressed the growing impact of climate change and glacial lake risks on mountain communities and underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage alongside disaster preparedness efforts.
To strengthen heritage protection, the ministry has prepared the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Listing and Management) Procedure 2081, while a related bill has recently been passed by the National Assembly. Officials believe the new legal framework will support long-term preservation of Nepal’s living cultural heritage.
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