Indigenous peoples’ sense of self is deeply rooted in self-determination and their ancestral lands. The Thakali population, one of the many indigenous communities residing in Nepal, possesses its own unique set of collective laws, traditions, and customs deeply intertwined with their ancestral homeland, Thak Satsae or Thakkhola. However, over the years, many Thakali people have migrated from their ancestral homelands to other parts of Nepal in search of better opportunities.

The National Census of Nepal 2021  records the total population of Thakalis in Nepal at 11,741, with 3,055 residing in the Kathmandu Valley. However, these figures may not accurately reflect the actual population, given the significantly different estimates which are also communally collected by the Thakali Sewa Samiti . In Kathmandu, Thakali identity is often closely associated with Thakali Khana/Thakali cuisine, an authentic and popularized (often commercialized) culinary tradition featuring spices and condiments distinctive to the Thak Satsae region. This singular focus, however, overshadows the multifaceted nature of Thakali identity, reducing it to a single and dominant narrative rooted solely in cultural food.

An individual’s identity is shaped by their personal experiences and their environments. Thus, this paper focuses on the significance of migration in shaping the identities of Thakali women, many of whom live away from their ancestral lands, cultures, and values. Storytelling is considered an integral element in understanding the complex relationship between these women and their cultural heritage. This research focuses on Thakali women as primary storytellers, recognizing their often-overlooked role in shaping Thakali identity, particularly through their contributions to domestic and public spheres, from preserving Thakali culinary traditions and managing household finances to participating in communal organizations.

The research focuses on three main research questions:

a. What personal stories and experiences mutually shape the formation of identities of Thakali women living in Kathmandu?

b. What are the connections and disconnections that Thakali women experience with their culture and society?

c. How do these experiences impact the ways in which their identities as women, Thakali, and [other multiple identities] intersect within contemporary Nepali society?

The research methodology will utilize narrative-based inquiry through creative-expressive arts, with a primary focus on storytelling. This research will be conducted in collaboration with the Thakali Yuwa Pariwar (TYP). TYP will play a crucial role in identifying research participants (storytellers). Interviewees will be selected based on the following criteria: self-identification as a Thakali woman, age between 18 and 40, migration to Kathmandu, and a strong interest in exploring the research subject matter.