Tharu Cultural Museum in Dang Develops into Major Tourist Destination

Dang. The Tharu Cultural Museum, built in Dang, which is known as the main base of the Tharu community, has now developed into a major tourist destination in the Lumbini Province.

This museum is located in Dangi Sharan Rural Municipality-3 Chakhaur, named on the basis of the belief that the first king of Tharu, Dangisharan, ruled here.

The museum, built with the objective of preserving the history, culture, and traditions of the Tharu community, artistically presents the rituals and arts of the Tharu caste from birth to death through sculptures.

A significant crowd of people from other castes as well as the Tharu community visits the museum. In this place, where hundreds to more than a thousand tourists visit daily, the lifestyle and cultural identity of the Tharu community residing not only in Dang but also in Chitwan, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardia, and Morang can be seen.

Spread over an area of about five bighas, the museum complex includes traditional houses, rooms, granaries, and temples that reflect the Tharu settlement, as well as a statue of King Dangisharan and historical maps.

More than two hundred sculptures have been made inside the museum, and the costumes worn by Tharu men and women, silver jewelry, and costumes for cultural dances are included in the exhibition.

Facilities such as old and new museum buildings, rest houses, theater halls, libraries, recording studios, and souvenir shops are available for tourists. Additionally, one can taste traditional Tharu dishes at the restaurant here, and accommodation is also arranged for tourists coming from afar.

Agricultural tools used by the Tharu community, clay pots, baskets, fishing gear, and cultural statues like canals and waterfalls have made the museum more attractive. Guides are arranged to provide information to tourists, and this museum also provides direct employment to about two dozen people.

The sale of locally produced vegetables, fish, snails, and other dishes has also greatly supported the livelihoods of hundreds of people in this area.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library