A book titled “Rana Tharu Samudayama Prachalit Lokkatha Ra Mithak” written by journalist Indra Chaudhary was launched amidst a function in the Capital on Monday.

The investigative book was published by Nepal Pragya Pratisthan.

The book was mainly focused on the popular folk stories and myths of Rana Tharu Community who live only in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in the far-western region of Nepal.

“Folklores are the traditional stories created by the community,” writer Chaudhary said, adding, “It has direct influence on faith, belief, culture and society.”

The knowledge and experience of one generation are passed on to another generation through this type of stories, he said. That is why, in order to safeguard the existence of human civilization and community, it is necessary to preserve it in writing, Chaudhary further said.

Though he was born in the Dangaura Tharu Community, Chaudhary said that he grew up with the people of Rana Tharu

“I got an opportunity to understand the culture, tradition, customs and rituals of Rana Tharu closely. But, the folk traditions have been vanishing at present with the influence of modernization. That is why, I think all these things should be preserved and I started collecting the folk stories,” he said.

The book has the collection of 12 stories like “Karmuo Aur Sapano,” “Sadasurka Aur Sadabircha,” “Soratha,” among others.

Likewise, the various castes, sub-castes popular in Rana Tharu Community and myths are also included in the book.