American national Anna Stirr, who has done profound research on Nepali folk culture, has said Nepal is rich in folk culture.

Taking part in an interaction programme on 'promotion and protection of folk culture', organised by the Independent Journalists' Association, Nepal here Sunday, Stirr said Nepal's culture is characterised by diversity and significant values.

She further said during the research she visited different villages and settlements of Nepal and was mesmerised by the cultural diversities they own up.

Association's Central Chair Krishna Prasad Bastola spoke on the need of collective efforts to protect Nepali folk culture which is facing significant indifference from within Nepalis.

Similarly, Association's General Secretary Kamal Poudel 'Athak' and media person Shanti Rana said the Nepali folk culture was in the need of protection and urged one and all to gear up for the same.

It may be noted that Ali Miya Folk Literary Academy honoured Stirr with a cash prize of Rs 20,000 Saturday in recognition to her contribution to the research of Nepali folk culture and folk singing. RSS