The Tharus are Nepal’s indigenous people. They are Nepal’s official tribe, and they are largely located in the Terai region of Nepal. Tharu culture is rich in customs, ceremonies, and rituals that they execute from birth to death. They share a strong sense of brotherhood, collaboration, and love. They never leave the support and care of their community’s people. They are more devoted to their culture and concerned about it. The majority of Tharus practice Hinduism.
The Tharus are the Terai’s most populous ethnic group. They run the length of Neal’s lowlands and stretch westward into the Kumaon mountains. The Tharu are the Terai’s most ancient and unique people. The Rana Tharu of the western Terai claim Rajput lineage despite having Mongoloid features and a dark-brown skin.
The Tharu language has been heavily influenced by several Indo-Aryan languages, including Maithili in the east, Bhojpuri in the centre, and Awadhi in the west. Within the Tharu tribe, marriages are patrilocal. The joint family structure of living in large homes is a prevalent aspect of the Tharu community.
Traditional Tharu region is based on the worship of spirits, namely those of the forest. The family deity is positioned in the house’s eastern corner, where the senior family members sleep. Tharus also worship two types of ancestor deities: Goraiya is offered with pigs, while Maniya is offered with goats. Many carved wooden boards were built on the site where fowl, pigs, and goats are sacrificed to mark the local shrine, known as Bhuinhar. The tribal priest is known as Guruwa, and such tradition is still practised in communities in the inner and western Terai. In certain places, the Tharus bury their deceased in a shared burial site, but cremation is more popular elsewhere.
Wattle walls are common in Tharu homes, and the thatched roof is generally covered with gourd creepers. Gourd containers, clay pots, and mats weaved from paddy straw are among the furnishings in a Tharu household. The walls are painted with floral and animal designs, and the houses are kept very neat and tiny. The women decorate themselves with complex jewellery like bangles and necklaces made of beads and coins.
The Tharus live in a small community. They are well-versed in forest living and also fishing in streams. Tharus have created an intricate agricultural irrigation system. While there are few wealthy landowners, the majority of Tharu people are tenant farmers.
They enjoy many festivities, which make this ethnic group more vibrant and colourful. They celebrate festivals for relaxation, pleasure, and bonding with their families and friends. Dashain, Tihar, Maghi, Jitiya Siruwa, and other prominent festivals are observed in this community.
Music and dance are two of the most distinguishing features of Tharu culture. The Tharus have a long history of performing music and dance, which frequently includes the usage of drums and other percussion instruments. These performances are typically linked with religious festivals and other significant occasions, and they play a key role in the social life of Tharus.
Tharu cuisine is also distinct, emphasising indigenous ingredients and tastes. Rice is a staple and is frequently eaten with dal (lentil soup) and tarkari (vegetable curry). Tharu cuisine also contains meat dishes such as chicken, goat, and buffalo.
Tharus have a strong cultural legacy that distinguishes them from other indigenous Nepalese people through their clothing, lifestyle, language, and religious beliefs. They embrace everyone with open arms and are renowned for being one of the most generous groups of people in Nepal.
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
Photos By: www.chitwantourism.com, www.notesnepal.com
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