New generation preserving Tharu arts, cultures

By Liladhar Oli,Ghorahi, Nov. 19:Tharu youth in Ghorahi, Dang, are now working to  preserve the arts and cultures of their community. 

 In various programmes including fairs and festivals organised in the district, demand for Tharu dances has, of late, increased. 

Anita Chaudhary, a 15-year-old girl of Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City -10, said that after the demand for Tharu dances increased, she formed a group and participated in various programmes held in the district 

and school. 

Anita, an 11-grader, has been learning Tharu dances and participating in those programmes during her 

leisure time. 

She said, “I will participate in the programme and perform Tharu dances.” Like Anita, Sushmita Chaudhary, also a resident of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-17, is also engaged in culture preservation activities.  

She said that she used to feel uneasy to dance wearing the Tharu costumes and jewelleries but, of late, she has been accustomed to don in ethnic costumes and participate in various events. 

Sushmita, 17, has learned to dance Badka Nach, Chokra Nach, Sakya Nach, which are popular forms of the Tharu dance.

“In the past, I wanted to dance, but I was afraid because of hesitation. As a result, she did not like to participate in public events and dance”, she said, “But now it is easy. It makes me happy to dance wearing our traditional dresses.’’ 

She said she liked to wear the lehenga and ghurya, wear kriya in the hand, and Sutya around the neck. 

 She added that with her passion for her traditional arts and cultures, she has been participating in various cultural events held from villages to cities.

The local Tharu youths wear their traditional costumes and clothes while singing, dancing and welcoming the guests in the cultural events organised in the district.  

Tharu activist  Chandra Prasad Chaudhary said that a trend of preserving and promoting Tharu cultures has increased in the district. 

 He said that the leadership of the young generation in preserving and promoting of Tharu cultures was encouraging.

“We are happy when the new generation people become ready to perform dances such as Maghauta, Badka, and Jhrama, which are the original cultures of the Tharu community,” said Chaudhary.

The Tharus have a tradition of singing the Sakhiya songs and performing Maghauta dance in Maghi. Similarly, Chokra dance, Jhumra dance, which is danced with colourful turban tied on their hands, and Badka dances are popular among Tharus.

 In most of the public programmes held in the district, performances of Tharu dances are given a top  priority.