Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), 27 February: Magar communities across the country are celebrating the 43rd National Magar Unity Day today with various programs. Programs including cultural tableau performances are also being held at various places in Nawalparasi (east of Bardaghat Susta), where the Magar majority resides.
Nepal Magar Association District Working Committee and other groups will organize municipal-level programs, said Nepal Magar Association Central Member Indra Fal Magar. “On the occasion of Magar Establishment Day, the District Magar Associations of all districts, city and rural municipality-level Magar Associations, as well as organizations abroad, are preparing to organize various programs on the occasion of the day,” he said.
Bhum Bahadur Rai Magar, District President of the Nepal Magar Association, said that it is believed that the day will play an important role in preserving the folk culture of the Magar community, including Salaijo, Jhyaure, and Kauda, which are on the verge of extinction due to various reasons, and in informing the new generation about the Magar language, cultural, historical aspects, and customs and lifestyle.
This day is celebrated every year on Falgun 15 to commemorate the unity of the Magar community in protecting its rights and existence and to commemorate the establishment of the Nepal Magar Association. The first general convention of the ‘Nepal Langhali Parivar Sangh’ was held in Tanahun on Falgun 14, 15 and 16, 2039, amidst police siege under the Panchayat system. In memory of that day, Falgun 15 is celebrated as the foundation day of the association. This day is also known as Magar Day. The fourth general convention of 2048 BS changed the name of the ‘Nepal Langhali Parivar Sangh’ to ‘Nepal Magar Sangh’.
According to the National Census 2078, the population of the Magar community in Nepal is 2 million 13 thousand 498. This is 6.9 percent of the total population.
All eight municipalities of Nawalparasi (east of Bardaghat Susta) have declared a public holiday on this occasion. The municipalities have issued separate notices stating that all their offices will be closed today on the occasion of the foundation day of the association. Gaindakot, Devchuli, Kawasoti, Madhyabindu municipalities and Hupsekot, Binayi Triveni, Bulingtar and Boudikali rural municipalities have declared public holidays.
According to the National Census 2078, the population of the Magar community in Nawalparasi (east of Bardaghat Susta) is 103,949. This is 27.49 percent of the total population of the district.
