Fikkal, July 15 Araniko cultural museum was inaugurated amidst a programme in Ilam on the occasion of 206th birth anniversary of Adikabi Bhanubhakta Acharya. State Assembly member Dhirendra Sharma inaugurated the museum on Sunday. Earlier, District Administration Office was stationed at Ilam Durbar. The historical location has been lying vacant after DAO was shifted to its new building. So, the museum was relocated to the Ilam Durbar square. Museum was rehabilitated in the historical site under the aegis of Ilam municipality's literature, art and music academy.

 

Before this, the museum was placed on the premises of Maisthan Temple in Ilam. It may be noted that Junga Bahadur Rana's son-in-law the then high-placed official Gajaraj Singh Thapa had built the palace (Ilam Durbar) in 1919 BS. On the occasion, a book 'Ilam: History and Development' authored by historian Yuddha Prasad Baidya was released.

 

Likewise, a lyrical album of Komal Niraula was also released. Various literary figures had recited Ramayana stanzas and other poetic creations at the programme presided over by Academy Chair Tika Ghimire. The rehabilitated museum has a collection of materials reflecting indigenous cultural identity of different castes and communities. It is expected that the museum would further help make people aware about the importance of Ilam and prolong the stay of the visitors and tourists.