In a world where traditions are disappearing, a young woman from Arunachal Pradesh is making sure her community’s heritage stays alive. But she is not preserving it in books or museums. Instead, she has turned her own 200-year-old ancestral house into a living museum.

Leike Chomu, 24-year-old from the Monpa community in western Arunachal Pradesh, has taken on this extraordinary project. The house itself is a part of history, built with ancient Monpa techniques using mud and stone.

"It's about keeping our cultural identity alive," Ms. Chomu said.

Her idea was supported by WWF India, which works to protect the unique heritage of the Monpa community. But it was Ms. Chomu who took full responsibility for transforming the house into a museum. She personally restored the structure, conserved artefacts, and made the space open to visitors.

"For me, this is more than just a project. It is my family's legacy," she added.

With modernization changing traditional lifestyles, Ms. Chomu wanted to save Monpa knowledge and practices before they disappeared. Instead of creating a typical museum with just artefacts, she focused on preserving the house itself. Visitors can now experience Monpa architecture, lifestyle, and traditions in an authentic setting.

A museum that feels like stepping back in time

The museum officially opened on October 5 last year. Since then, many tourists and culture lovers have visited.

"They are amazed that the museum isn’t just about objects but the house itself, its architecture, the way of life, and the stories it holds. Visitors appreciate the authenticity, often describing it as a rare and immersive experience that feels like stepping back in time," Ms. Chomu said.

Some visitors have shared that walking through the house gives them a deep connection to Monpa heritage.

Ms. Chomu comes from Chug Valley in Dirang, West Kameng district. She holds a BSc degree in agriculture with a background in agroecology. Her connection to the land and traditional knowledge has fuelled her passion for heritage preservation.

"The museum is my ancestral house. I have worked to preserve and transform it into a living museum," she explained.

"Coming from a family deeply tied to agriculture and local traditions, this project is especially meaningful to me. It’s not just about preserving history but about keeping our cultural identity alive for future generations," she said.

Restoring a 200-year-old structure while keeping it authentic was not easy. Ms. Chomu faced many challenges. She had to preserve delicate artefacts, convince community elders about the importance of showcasing their heritage, and find ways to attract tourists and researchers to sustain the museum.

One of the biggest challenges is financial support

"So far, there has been no financial support from the state government for this project. I hope that in the future, the government will recognise the importance of this heritage and provide assistance for its upkeep and expansion," Ms. Chomu said.

The initial funding and support came from WWF India, but after that, she has been managing the museum on her own.

"Since this museum is still a work in progress, there's a lot more to be done, and I am continuously working on ways to improve and sustain it," she added.

Ms. Chomu has big plans for the museum’s future. She wants to turn it into a cultural hub where visitors can actively engage with Monpa heritage rather than just observe it.

She plans to introduce storytelling sessions with community elders to share oral traditions, a small library featuring Monpa history and folklore, and eco-tourism initiatives such as a rest area near the museum where visitors can relax and experience traditional Monpa hospitality.

She also hopes to collaborate with local artisans and researchers to document and promote indigenous craftsmanship and traditions. Additionally, she aims to create jobs for local women by involving them in museum activities such as handicrafts, storytelling, and hospitality services.

"My ultimate goal is to make the museum a self-sustaining heritage site, one that doesn’t just preserve Monpa culture but actively empowers the local community," Ms. Chomu explained.

Through cultural tourism and traditional skill development, she wants to ensure that Monpa heritage remains alive and also benefits the people connected to it.

"Unlike conventional museums that display artefacts behind glass, this living museum preserves an entire way of life," Ms. Chomu said.

"Everything inside—the utensils, carpets, tools, and textiles—is still arranged and used as it was in the past. Visitors don't just see history; they experience it by stepping into a real Monpa household, where traditions are still alive," she added.

Ms. Chomu’s dedication and hard work are not only preserving her heritage but also inspiring others. Her story is a reminder that culture is not just something to be remembered—it is something to be lived and shared.

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