“Ajima and 6 Gender Identities”: A Groundbreaking Exploration of Kathmandu’s Matriarchal Heritage

29th July, Kathmandu

Sunil Babu Pant’s documentary, “Ajima and 6 Gender Identities,” which recently premiered at Biswajyoti Cinema Hall in Kathmandu, has garnered significant attention for its profound exploration of Kathmandu’s matriarchal history. The film delves into the revered Ajima goddesses and the concept of Tantra, highlighting the stark contrasts between patriarchal and matriarchal societal structures.

Through “Ajima and 6 Gender Identities,” Pant meticulously examines how Tantra, rooted in matriarchal principles, recognizes six genders and promotes inclusivity, challenging traditional binary gender norms. The Ajimas, depicted as wise, brave, and nurturing, symbolize the matriarchal ideals that once governed and protected Kathmandu. The documentary underscores the historical rewriting by patriarchal forces that have overshadowed these matriarchal traditions.

Prominent rights activists and political figures have praised the documentary for its potential to inspire a new generation towards inclusivity and the empowerment of women and sexual and gender minorities. Mina Paudel highlighted the past society’s progressiveness and equality, while National Assembly member Rekha Sharma emphasized the documentary’s potential to change patriarchal mindsets. Former National Assembly member Bimala Rai Poudyal and political analyst Bishwobhakt Dulal (Aahuti) also underscored the film’s role in recognizing and affirming the presence and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in historical matriarchal society.

Australian Ambassador Felicity Volk expressed her congratulations to Sunil Babu Pant, noting, “Three generations of my family have joined your Tantric Heritage walks, as well as many friends. How wonderful that those who can’t walk with you can watch with you instead and start unraveling the mysteries of our extraordinary Kathmandu Valley. You have started an important conversation about the matriarchal and Shakti origins of the valley. People might disagree with some of the hypotheses, but they will begin new thinking as a result of Ajimas and 6 Genders.”

The EU Ambassador to Nepal also lauded the documentary, stating, “Congratulations to Sunil Babu Pant for making this film and helping to rediscover Nepal’s matriarchal rich history, culture, rituals, and inclusive and equality-based value system where women and gender/sexual minorities were treated better. Now we need to take this film to a wider audience across Nepal and beyond. This film will generate much-needed debate and offer alternative worlds to the patriarchal one we live in today.”

“Ajima and 6 Gender Identities” serves as a valuable resource for learners interested in gender studies, encouraging both local and international scholars to explore Kathmandu’s cultural and gender heritage. The interactive session following the screening allowed the audience to share their insights and feedback, further enriching the discourse on gender inclusivity and historical narratives.

This documentary was partially funded by the EU and Australian Embassy in Kathmandu.