Nara Bahadur Rijal, Dailekh : Several tangible as well as intangible cultural heritages in Dailekh districts are in dire state, awaiting proper conservation and promotion. Once a grand castle in the 18th century, the ‘Dullu Durbar’ at Dullu Bazar in the district has been reduced to remnants and are in sorry state.
“The sight of castle’s remnants, stone pillars and stone sculpture in the district containing the first script of Nepali language will make you feel sorry,” said historian Bhupal Bikram Shah. The oldest script in Nepali dating back to 1038 BS (more than a thousand years ago) is associated with Dailekh although the Sinja of Jumla is the cradle of Nepali language. The script dates back to the reign of Damupal, descendant of Naagraj of Karnali province.
Heritages like Panchadeval, Kotgadi and Mahabu Dham situated in the highest elevation of Dailekh are also pride of this district but they need to be conserved and promoted. There is also heritage or religious significance- idol of the Jain Tirthankara Mahabir in the Paduka Temple dating back to 18th century. There are also two edicts named ‘Sauna Kakri’ and ‘Sauka Kacrani’ belonging to King Ashok Challa of Sinja Kingdom.
These heritages, which have added values to the Pancha Koshi areas, also need protection and preservation, stated a local entrepreneur, Narendra Thapa. The Dullu Municipality has developed the Pauwa Durbar (Pauwa Castle) as a cultural museum, shared Dullu Municipality Mayor Ghanashyam Bhandari. There are more than 1,000 intangible heritages such as oral traditions, performing arts, local knowledge and traditional skill among others which are waiting for the conservation and promotion, according to him. RSS