Reviving Overlooked Arts and Cultural Heritage
April 17, Tehrathum—A three-day handicraft symposium and painting workshop held here with the aim of highlighting the indigenous arts, traditions, and cultural heritage hidden within Tehrathum’s hilly terrain has ignited a new wave of creative awareness at the local level. This initiative, designed to connect traditional skills and native identities with modern forms of expression, has conveyed the message that art is not only a means of creation but also a mirror reflecting society and identity.
Organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts based in Naxal, Kathmandu, in collaboration with Manglung Municipality, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from artists, students, and art enthusiasts from various parts of the district.
Throughout the three days, the program focused on practical exercises in handicraft production and painting, utilizing local resources and materials. Participants practiced capturing the historic sites, rural lifestyles, and indigenous culture of Tehrathum on canvas. In this regard, Jung Pahadi, a member of the Sculpture Department at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, explained that the event was organized to showcase local art, skills, and historic heritage through painting—to promote tourism.
According to him, activities like these not only bring to light neglected potentials but also positively impact the local economy. Naradmani Hartmchhalli, the Chancellor of the Academy, emphasized that art serves as a powerful medium for social unity and cultural preservation, stating that such programs are conducted with the purpose of connecting communities through art.
He further noted that sustainable cultural development is achievable only through the combination of traditional values and modern creativity. Another key aspect of the workshop was its emphasis on promoting indigenous themes. Sanjay Bantawa, Head of the Painting Department at the Academy, pointed out that creative works grounded in the local environment, culture, and lifestyle truly reflect the community’s authentic identity. “Art based on indigenous themes preserves our originality and helps transmit it to future generations,” he remarked. This workshop functioned not only as a skill-development platform but also as an important stage to showcase the talents hidden within Tehrathum. It is anticipated that continuous local initiatives like this will contribute to the preservation of art and culture as well as to tourism promotion.