The Gramthan—spiritual lands/sacred sites of Tharu Indigenous Peoples have been recognized/enlisted by the Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari district of eastern Nepal.
A total of 125 Gramthans were enlisted by the 16th assembly of the local government that was held on 24 June 2024 and brought the new policy to protect the spiritual lands and other rights of Tharu by bringing appropriate local law during the fiscal year 2024 / 2025.
The lands carry the profound spiritual and cultural connection, identity and tradition of Tharu. The lands serve as gathering places for ceremonies, rituals and community events strengthening social bonds and cultural transmission.
Such places are under threat due to the land grabbing carried out by the development projects and settlers. Tharu communities have been carrying out advocacy to protect their lands for the past 3 years.
