Sudurpaschim government moves to enact Badghar/Bhalmansa act to preserve Tharu traditions

Dhangadhi: The Sudurpaschim Province Government has initiated the drafting of the Badghar/Bhalmansa Act to establish legal provisions related to the Bhalmansa custom practiced within the Tharu community.

The proposed legislation aims to protect, promote, and develop the Badghar and Bhalmansa traditions. As part of the process, the provincial government has presented a bill in the provincial assembly to ensure the preservation and development of these customs across Sudurpaschim Province.

The act seeks to organize the jurisdiction and operational procedures of the traditional system that has long been practiced among the indigenous Tharu community in the region. It will also provide legal arrangements to regulate various games, traditions, and cultural practices associated with the custom.

Minister for Social Development Meghraj Khadka stated that the provincial government holds responsibility for safeguarding art, culture, and traditions. He noted that discussions were held with leaders and scholars from the concerned communities while preparing the bill.

According to the minister, the Badghar and Bhalmansa traditions embody diligence, unity, inclusive participation, and democratic practices in social affairs. He added that the bill has been introduced with the belief that the tradition will contribute to the overall development of the province.

The bill includes provisions related to the Badghar and Bhalmansa system as well as the Bhura game. It proposes that every village inhabited by the indigenous Tharu community will have a Badghar Bhalmansa system, consisting of roles such as Badghar or Bhalmansa, Chirkya, Agaria/Agharia, Chowkidar, Guruwa, and Kesau.

Office bearers will be selected through consensus during the Bhura game. In the absence of consensus, selection will be conducted through a voting process, with the candidate receiving the highest votes being chosen. The bill prohibits the formation of political party panels for candidate registration and selection within the Bhura game.

It also mandates that at least 33 percent representation should be ensured among office bearers, and if that is not possible, at least one woman must be included.

The tenure of office bearers elected through the Bhura Khel will be one year, with the possibility of re-election upon mutual agreement. The Bhura Khel meeting will be held annually in the month of Magh. However, if a position becomes vacant, the bill allows for meetings to be held at any time to elect new office bearers.

The bill further identifies the Bhura Khel as the supreme body within the Badghar Bhalmansa system.