A week long celebration of World Indigenous Day concluded in Kathmandu on Saturday with indigenous leaders urging the inclusion of indigenous voice in the new constitution of Federal Democratic Republic Nepal.

Chief Guest and Speaker of Constituent Assembly (CA) Subash Chandra Nembang requested indigenous people from every region to unite together for the making of Constitution that equally represents and includes indigenous people.

Speaking in the program, President of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) Pasang Sherpa expressed his hope to come together in World Indigenous Day celebration next year with the feeling that the new constitution belongs to indigenous Janajati as well.

Kanak Mani Dixit, a Civil Society leader said there has to be empathy for each other among different ethnic groups in this crucial time of the country.

Similarly, Finance Minister Ramsharan Mahat said it is very challenging to make the Constitution but with the unity and understanding of people it can be made better one for everyone to feel that it is equally theirs.

Dendoha Jalai Tipura representing indigenous people of Bangladesh declared the solidarity with indigenous people of Nepal. He also said that these kinds of celebration in Nepal inspired, encouraged Bangladeshi indigenous people to celebrate and be proud for being indigenous.

On the occasion, NEFIN presented its 19 points Kathmandu Declaration 2008 mainly focusing in the inclusion and participation of indigenous people's issues and voice in new constitution.

NEFIN demanded that the basis of federalism in the country must be ethnicity, language and region and guarantee the ethnic autonomous states with Right to Self Determination. UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and ILO Convention 169 should be written exactly in the new constitution as it is in the document and implement them.

Messages sent from United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was read by representative of NEFIN.

Ethnic groups dressed in their traditional attire seemed very excited to have a different indigenous communities coming together as one group. An enthusiastic indigenous pride took out a cultural rally from Khula Manch, Tudhikhel that went through Ratnapark, Bagbazar, Putalishadak, Sahidget, Sundhara and concluded at Dasrath Stadium, Tripureshwor, venue of the main celebration event.

Almost every ethnic communities of Nepal- Tamang, Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Sherpa, Newar, Lohurung, Rai, Thakali, Majhi, Tharu, Dhimal, Kumal, Sunuwar, Rajbanshi, Yholmo, Jhagad, Tokpegola and endangered indigenous groups such as Hayu, Lepcha and other groups were there to rejoice their unique identity. The event was amplified by various cultural shows, ethnic dances, songs and food festivals. Different ethnic groups performed their wonderful dances, served their flavorsome dishes along with display of their distinct attires and jewelries.

Gurungs performed Chhyandu, Limbu presented Kelang and Daan Naanch with an unparallel enthusiasm. Himali peoples- Sherpa, Tokpegola, Yholmo performed Shaypru dance whereas Magars presented their popular Kauda forlk dance. Sunuwars did their Shayadar Sil Dance known as Dhol Naanch. Thamis presented their reputed Jhakri Dance and Tamang sang the songs of jubilance and celebration with the beats of Damphu, a traditional instrument of Tamangs.

Food stalls of different indigenous groups served the most delicious cultural dishes along with traditional liquors.

Likewise, WI day 2008 was also observed in different districts of Nepal. NEFIN-District Coordination Councils like Jhapa-Damak, Sarlahi- Lalbandi, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Morang-Urlabari, Sunsari-Itahari, Sindhuli, Siraha, Palpa, Chitwan, Illam, Dhading, Butwal-Rupandehi, Makawanpur, Kaski, Panchthar, Taplejung etc also organized programs to mark this important day.