Marking the 32nd International Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9, Sunday, several institutions and indigenous communities organised events across the country, celebrating indigenous identities, culture and unity. The official programme took place at Khullamanch, preceded by a rally which started from Bhrikutimandap.

The march included several indigenous groups of Nepal, including Tamang, Kirat, Jirel, Magar, Newa, Tharu, each marching in their own traditional attire, playing instruments, waving flags, holding banners of their individual institutions while dancing and singing all together.

Queer indigenous individuals and indigenous people with disabilities were in the same procession, depicting a remarkable message of intersectional identities.

Indigenous people encompass over 35 per cent of Nepal’s population and 6.2 per cent globally. In 1994, the UN General Assembly had declared August 9 as the ‘International Indigenous Peoples Day’, marking the anniversary of the first session of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. Ever since, communities from all over the world celebrate their indigenous culture, also as an advocacy for indigenous rights, and inclusive political dialogue. Read more