Modernity erases traditional architecture and customs of the rantharu community

The Rantharu community in Kanchanpur, Nepal, is seeing its traditional houses made of mud, straw, and wood disappear as residents shift toward modern permanent structures.

Rajkumar Rana, a resident of Bhimdatt Municipality, says that the lack of available timber from forests has made it difficult to build traditional homes that require large Sal wood pillars. He explains that wood used in these houses often rots or is damaged by insects within 10 to 15 years.

The difficulty of sourcing and maintaining these materials has led the younger generation to prefer modern construction. Sudha Rana and Pashuram Rana, community leaders, note that this shift affects more than just housing. Traditional clothing like the ghagariya and angiya are now rarely seen outside of special ceremonies because few people can still sew them.

Additionally, the community's festivals are becoming shorter, and traditional items like mud grain storage containers are vanishing as the community's economic status improves and modern conveniences become more appealing.