Located in Ranipur, Bhurigaun, Bardiya, the ethnic museum here is an important repository of indigenous culture. It houses a collection of traditional Tharu attire, old jewelry, and historic agricultural tools. It helps new generations and researchers understand local folk culture, ways of life, and history. To its southwest lies the road leading to the Thakurdwara area. Being close to Bardiya National Park, this area has become an attractive cultural destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Naming and History

Many years ago, there was an old well in the open field that is now Ranipur Chowk. The surrounding natural environment was exceptionally beautiful and captivating. To enjoy this scenic view and to travel about, the king and queen of the time would come to the area via the railway road. When tired from their journey, they would rest in the shade of a large tree that stood there.

One day, while resting there, the queen suddenly grew very thirsty. She went to the well in the field to drink water. But while drawing water from the well, she suddenly lost her balance, fell into the well, and drowned. Because the queen died after falling into the well in this way, the place came to be called “Ranikuwa” (Queen’s Well). Over time, this name is believed to have gradually become corrupted into today’s “Ranipur.” This tragic event and the story behind the naming have been passed down as folklore for generations, told by elders of the local Tharu community.

As times changed, the old well, which stood as a historic landmark, was filled in, and a large field was built in its place. Grand cultural events had long been held there. In particular, the traditional Lakhe dance, performed wearing masks, used to be showcased there. So many people from the surrounding villages would gather to watch this captivating Lakhe dance and enjoy themselves that there would be no room to even set foot on the road to Ranipur.

Today, a well-organized covered hall has been built on that same field for sports and other activities. In this way, that historically and culturally significant field of the past has now taken on a modern form. Alongside the covered hall today are also kabaddi and kho-kho playing fields, which have produced not only local-level athletes but also heroic sportspeople who have flown Nepal’s flag on a stage as grand as the World Cup.

Kho-Kho and Its Players

Native players from Thakurbaba Municipality began their journey by winning a bronze medal at the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) in 2016, ahead of the first Kho-Kho World Cup (New Delhi). They went on to give an excellent performance at the fourth international competition held in 2022. But the most golden and historic moment in Bardiya’s sporting history came when, playing for the Nepali team at the “first Kho-Kho World Cup,” held in New Delhi, India, Thakurbaba’s brave athletes secured the world’s second place (silver medal). Overcoming powerful nations from around the world, the role these Bardiya athletes played in helping the Nepali team win the silver medal is unparalleled. This victory is not just a medal — it is a historic milestone that has immortalized the name of Thakurbaba and Bardiya forever in the history of world sports.

Ranipur, the historic birthplace of the World Cup runner-up athletes, has now become a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.

This has made the Ranipur area known not only for its natural beauty and Tharu culture, but also as a name written in golden letters in international sporting history.

Ranipur Sekuwa Bhansa Ghar

For those visiting Bardiya who wish to taste its authentic flavors, “Ranipur Sekuwa Bhansa Ghar,” which has gone quite viral on social media, is a purely native destination located right beside the kabaddi hall, run by local Tharu brothers. Here, visitors can experience not just a business but the genuine, heartfelt hospitality found in Tharu culture. The temptingly spicy, tangy, and fragrant chutney, specially prepared by pounding ingredients in the traditional wooden vessel called “dokni” — considered the pride of Tharu cuisine — is a main attraction here.

Viral Local Chicken Sekuwa

Piping hot local chicken sekuwa, marinated with native Tharu-style spices and grilled over coals, is the signature dish here. Once tasted, its flavor lingers on the tongue.

Organic Local Dal-Bhat: Made from homegrown grains and cooked in the traditional way, native dal, rice, local goat or chicken meat, and seasonal vegetables are also available here.

For a long time, many knew Bardiya only as the district home to the park where tigers, rhinoceroses, and Bengal tigers could be seen. But in recent years, Bardiya has succeeded in drawing the attention of tourists and researchers from around the world through sports as well.