Tharu women’s traditional jewelry disappearing

By Our Correspondent,Dang, Sept. 25: The traditional jewelry worn by Tharu community women are gradually disappearing. The Tharu community, which stretches from East Mechi to West Mahakali, has its own unique traditional attire and jewelry.

Notably, distinct traditional ornaments of the Tharu community are found from Dang to the west, extending through Kanchanpur. The Tharu community has a unique style of silver jewelers worn from head to toe. However, in recent times, these ornaments have begun to fade away.

"The jewelry worn by Tharu women, from their toes to the top of their heads, used to be made of silver," said Shanta Chaudhari from Ghorahi-17. "Now, I hardly see those old ornaments. During festivals, some people wear them, but not as frequently as before."

According to her, traditional adornments included a silver hairpin, a gold or decorative ornament on the forehead, a gold nose ring, a nose pin or a flower, and silver earrings. Similarly, all neck ornaments, such as necklaces, chains, and rings, were made of silver.

"The bangles worn on the hands were either gold-coloured or made of silver. Back then, many silver coins were available, so people made silver jewelry. All of my jewelry from toe to head are sliver," she added.

“Earlier, jewelry makers would visit Tharu villages to craft traditional Tharu ornaments, but now they rarely come. Since many have shifted to making gold jewelry, silver jewelry has declined,” she said. “The new generation may not appreciate the old-style jewelry.”

"Festivals are no longer celebrated as they used to be," she continued. "Earlier, Tharu communities would celebrate with dancing and singing, and women would wear their traditional attire along with customary jewelry. They would participate in the festivities fully adorned."

She noted that the current generation prefers modern jewelry, which has contributed to the decline of traditional Tharu ornaments. "Since these ornaments are no longer worn regularly, this tradition is gradually disappearing," she said.