Tharu museum attracts visitors

By Santosh Dahit,Dang, Sept. 6: The Tharu Cultural Museum in Chakhoura, Dangisharan Rural Municipality-3, Dang, has been emerging as a major destination in Dang. 

Established with the aim of reflecting art, culture, and traditional identity of the Tharu community, the museum has now become a tourist attraction.

 Every day, crowds of domestic tourists throng to observe the museum.

 “On holidays, there is an even greater crowd of schoolchildren visiting the museum,” said Shanta Chaudhary, Vice Chairperson of the Tharu Cultural Preservation Center. “On average, around 300 people visit daily, while the number of visitors is higher during festivals.” 

According to her, the ticket price has been set at Rs. 130, with senior citizens receiving a 50 per cent discount, while students are charged Rs. 100.

The museum, spread over five bighas of land, was established in 2013, though it has been in formal operation since only 2018, she added.

 Vice Chairperson Chaudhary informed that around Rs. 200 million has been spent for the construction of the museum so far, with the Lumbini Province Government contributing Rs. 36.5 million.

Inside the museum, traditional houses of various Tharu subgroups from east to west like Dangoura, Deshauri, Rana, Chitwannya, and Purbeli Tharu have been built.

 Likewise, representations of western Tarai Tharu community structures such as the Bar Ghar, Matawa, and meeting places of village elders have been created, along with photographs and sculptures showcasing various dances and cultural scenes.

 Traditional fishing tools such as ‘helka,’ nets, ‘khongya,’ and ‘delya,’ as well as hunting weapons and clothing storage items like ‘bhauka’ and ‘dhakya’ have been preserved in the museum.

 Likewise, traditional furniture such as ‘khatiya,’  ‘khatauli,’ ‘beri,’  ‘dhachya gondri,’  grain storage bins like ‘dehri,’  ‘kuthli,’ and ‘bhakari,’ and the palanquins used to carry bride and groom are displayed in a row.

In addition, various traditional ornaments of the Tharu community and agricultural tools such as the plough and hoe are exhibited.

 Statues of King Dangisharan and the Ghoda-Ghodi have also been constructed. Moreover, a pond has been built depicting scenes of Tharu men and women fishing. 

Artistic works representing traditional Tharu dances such as ‘Maghauta,’  ‘Chhokra,’  ‘Hurdangya,’  ‘Lathwa,’ and ‘Barka’ have also been created.

 “We have made 500 sculptures representing scattered Tharu culture, dances, customs, and lifestyle across the country,” said Chaudhary.

 “We have created a place where people can observe the traditional culture and lifestyle of Tharu communities from all over Nepal in a single location.”