Raute community members travel to Palpa to raise money for Tihar

Five members of the Raute community have arrived in Palpa with the aim of raising money to celebrate Tihar. The Raute are one of Nepal's endangered indigenous communities, and this group has been living in Surkhet district of Karnali Province.

Having traveled to Palpa by vehicle, they are selling handmade wooden stools, plates and bowls in Tansen Bazaar. Alongside selling their wares, they are also collecting financial donations.

According to community member Bandabir Shahi, they have long supported their daily livelihood and festival expenses by selling wooden items made using skills and labor passed down through generations.

Shahi said that although they wished to eat well during Tihar, they lack the money to do so, and are therefore selling handmade utensils and seeking donations.