Maghi sparks joy across Tharu settlements

By Santosh Dahit,Dang, Dec. 26: Tharu settlements are becoming increasingly lively as Maghi, the great festival of the Tharu community, draws near. 

From villages to cities, Tharu organisations have intensified preparations and discussions to celebrate Maghi in a special and grand manner.

In this context, a discussion jointly organised in Tulsipur by Namuna Buhyarthan Tulsipur, Tharu Kalyankari Sabha Area no. 3, and Matawa Mahasangh Tulsipur emphasised the need to reflect the originality and essence of Magh in the Maghi festival. 

Speakers stressed that Maghi should not be confined merely to a festival, but should be celebrated by prioritising traditional culture, customs, and the community’s authentic identity.

Churna Bahadur Chaudhary, Central Treasurer of the Tharu Kalyankari Sabha, said that celebrating Maghi is meaningful only if its originality is preserved.

He emphasised the need to protect and promote Dhumru songs sung during Maghi, the Maghauta dance, and to continue the Tharu community’s Maghi Dewani.

He further highlighted that during Maghi, the Tharu community not only engages in dance, music, and feasting, but also reviews the events of the past year, formulates plans for the coming year, and selects village leaders such as Matawa, Barghar, and Bhalmansa (key community leaders).

Therefore, he stressed that these important matters should be given special priority through serious discussion and deliberation in the Maghi Dewani.

“Maghi is a festival that carries social, cultural, and economic significance,” he said, “so attention must be given to its originality.”

Ramsharan Chaudhary, President of Namuna Buhyarthan and an advocate, said that this year’s Maghi festival should be celebrated differently. 

“The festival should be focused on our indigenous rituals and culture,” he said.

 “This time the programmes should be even more authentic and in accordance with Tharu traditions.”

 He suggested that instead of sofas and chairs on the stage, guests should be seated and welcomed on traditional Tharu items such as gundri (woven mats), beri, and pirka (wooden stools).

 He also urged all participants to attend in traditional Tharu attire. 

He emphasised that village-based Maghauta dance and Dhumru songs should be prioritised instead of using DJs.

Meanwhile, Ramsharan Chaudhary informed that it has been decided to organise the Maghi Festival on January 9.

The meeting also decided to hold a large preparatory meeting on December 30. In that meeting, detailed discussions will be held on forming various subcommittees, assigning responsibilities, and other matters to make the festival grand and dignified.

The festival will feature Maghauta dance, Dhumru songs, and various other Tharu cultural dances. 

Traditional Tharu dishes will be showcased, along with exhibitions of Tharu handicrafts and various books related to the Tharu language.