Nepal, June 29 -- The Lumbini Provincial Government has introduced the Tharu Community Traditional Practices Protection and Promotion Bill, 2026, aimed at preserving and promoting the Tharu community's indigenous customs, traditions and cultural heritage.

The bill has been tabled in the Provincial Assembly. Former Lumbini Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary said the legislation seeks to provide legal recognition to the Tharu community's traditional social institutions, collective practices and cultural systems that have existed for generations. Lumbini is home to Nepal's largest Tharu population.

The proposed law recognises Gaun Mauja, the community's basic traditional administrative unit, as well as Praganna and Tappu, structures f...