Tharu Cultural Program Held in Bharatpur

Chitwan. A 'Special Program for Tharu Culture Conservation and Promotion' was held in Patini, Ward No. 22 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, with the objective of preserving and promoting Tharu culture. The program was organized by Sahitya Sangam Chitwan and co-organized by Tharu Kalyanakarini Sabha, Area No. 5 Belodh Praganna.

The program, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Bagmati Province, and the Tourism Office Sauraha, was attended by a large number of distinguished creators from Chitwan and local culture enthusiasts. In the competition held at the hall of Tharu Kalyanakarini Sabha in Bharatpur-22, eleven Tharu cultural groups showcased their unique and endangered art forms.

Among the participating groups, the Mangara-Kumbhiya group secured the first position and received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. Similarly, the Jhumari-Patini Bazar group came second and received Rs. 7,000, while the Viruhani-Pullar group secured third place and received Rs. 5,000 in cash prizes. The other seven participating groups were awarded Rs. 3,000 each in cash and a letter of appreciation. The prizes were jointly distributed to the winners by Ward Chairman Bishnuraj Mahato, Sahitya Sangam Chairman Shashikiran Regmi, and Program Coordinator Prakash Chapagain. 

The program featured historical and indigenous forms of the Tharu community such as Ghaillanaach, Latinaach, Jhumari, Viruhani, Thekra, Badva, Mangara, Jhamta, Amosa, Jeetvahan, and Danfunach.

Speaking on the occasion, Ward Chairman Bishnuraj Mahato shed light on the historical significance of the Tharu people, while local Hemraj Mahato emphasized the conservation of endangered Tharu culture. Program Coordinator Prakash Chapagain expressed his belief that such programs would help revive fading cultures and contribute to tourism promotion.

During the goodwill speeches, Prem Dhakal, Chief of the Tourism Office Sauraha, Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Khanal, Chairman of the Metropolitan Academy Foundation, and senior litterateur Kedarnath Khanal expressed the view that both the state and the local community should be equally responsible for the conservation of Tharu art and culture. 

The judging roles in the competition were performed by Chandramani Mahato, Bhajumanram Mahato, and Santaram Mahato, while Ramnarayan Mahato, Chairman of Tharu Kalyanakarini Sabha, coordinated the program.