The Tharu people

The first inhabitants of the lowland Terai - Tharu, are considered as indigenous community of the Terai region. It is believed that they have been living in Terai for more than seven hundred years and are dispersed from East Mechi to West Mahakali in the lowland regions of Nepal. The Tharu people mostly reside in close proximity to forests and water bodies. This is so due to their dependency on forest products for firewood, close access to wild medicinal plants used to cure disease, and fishery as their main source of income for livelihoods. In the early days, they were known as animist as they wandered from place to place as nomads. As time changed, they started practicing shifting cultivation and are also perfect farmers. The main source of occupation of the Tharu's is marginal agriculture, animal husbandry, bonded laborers and seasonal migration for labor. In times immemorial, due to the prolonged isolation and contact from urban people, Tharu's still have a strong sense of attachment towards their traditional local culture, traditions and nature.


Major Attraction
The Tharu Culture Museum offers visitors a glimpse of Tharu culture and traditions they perform that are fast disappearing in the Tharu community. The museum harbors a mosaic of cultural traditions of the Tharu people during the three periods of their lifecycle - pre-marital, marital and post marital. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to view existent Tharu community along the way to the museum, where the museum showcases culture and traditions as a replica.
 

It contains a wealth of information regarding the Tharu's culture and traditions that are depicted in paintings and display materials that are showcased in the museum. It presents agricultural practices and various rituals performed by the community during their lifecycle accompanied by displayed antiquates, equipments, instruments etc.

The museum consists of a Gurau clinic. A Gurau is a traditional healer in the Tharu community. The clinic is managed by a Gurau group under the Chitwan Tharu Traditional Knowledge Management Group. The visitors have a unique opportunity to be acquainted with the traditional healing practices of the Tharu community. The Tharu community is known for the diversity in healing methods and practices in their community. In the periphery of the museum, a medicinal plant nursery has been established that harbors diversity in plant species that are used by the local healer for medicinal purposes. The other features of the museum include a souvenir shop that sells handicrafts made by a Tharu women group of Bachhauli VDC, who are particularly known for their distinctive weaved baskets and woodwork.
 
 


How to get there?
 

The museum is located in Bachhauli VDC, Chitwan district in close proximity to Sauraha - the gateway to the Chitwan National Park (CNP). The biological significance of CNP and its surrounding areas as well as the cultural richness of the area has confirmed Sauraha to be a popular destination among the visitors. In this regard the Tharu Culture Museum strives towards harnessing tourism potential in the area by maximizing tourism benefits.

Sauraha can be reached by a regular bus service from Kathmandu along the Mahendra Highway, which takes about four hours drive, or by air from Kathmandu to Bharatpur that takes 15 minutes. Regular public vehicle service is available from Bharatpur airport to Tandi in transit to Sauraha. Tharu Culture Museum is situated on the eastern part from the tourist hub of Sauraha, which is about 2 kms by a bicycle ride.

  Where does the fund go?
 

The fund raised from the entry fee is utilized to cover the operational cost of the museum and for further upgrading facilities for visitors. Fund will also be utilized for income generation activities, education, health, and sanitation projects of the Tharu community.

  Regular Schedule
 

8: 30 am.  -  5: 30 pm. (except on public holidays)
   
 
Executive Committe
Mr Birendra Mahato President
Mr. Bikram Chaudary Vice President
Mr.Khelendra Raj Chaudary Secretary
Mr. Basanta Mahato Vice Secretary
Mr. Ramje Mahato Treasurer
Mr.Navin K.Chaudary Member
Mr.Dev Raj Chaudary Member
Mr.Dependra Chaudary Member
Miss Santi Mahato Member
Miss Sunita Chaudary Member
Miss Sangita Mahato Member

The museum is in the initial phase of its operation, so any comments and suggestions would be highly appreciated. Individuals/Organizations who want to contribute for the development of the museum and preservation of indigenous culture and knowledge is highly appreciated. Any queries related to your field of interest would be appreciated and acted up on as soon as possible.

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