Dang — In recent times, there has been a noticeable rise in the interest of the younger generation in preserving the art and culture of the Tharu community in Dang. Along with various cultural programs, fairs, and festivals held across the district, young people are increasingly taking the lead in performing traditional Tharu dances that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
Janaki Chaudhary of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–7 has been actively engaged in cultural preservation. She was seen wearing traditional attire at a Maghi cultural program. She said that safeguarding the customs and traditions preserved by older generations is also the responsibility of today’s youth.
According to her, she regularly participates in cultural programs and performs dances while dressed in traditional Tharu costumes and ornaments, which symbolize their unique identity. She has learned several traditional Tharu dances, including Badka Naach, Chokra Naach, and Sakhiya Naach.
“Initially, I wanted to dance but felt shy and afraid, which stopped me from performing in public programs,” she said. “Now I feel confident. Performing dances in our ethnic attire makes me happy.”
Along with dancing, she enjoys wearing traditional Tharu women’s attire that has been used for generations during festivals, such as lehenga, ghurya, karya bangles, and sutya necklaces. Driven by her passion for Tharu art and culture, she has been participating in cultural programs from village to city.
Similarly, Asha Chaudhary of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–14 said that as the demand for Tharu dances has increased in district-level programs and conferences, young people are forming groups to participate. In her free time, she learns Tharu dances and takes part in cultural events.
In recent years, youths from villages with dense Tharu settlements have increasingly appeared in public programs wearing traditional attire. In many district-level events, they perform dances and are also involved in welcoming guests in their ethnic dress. Tharu community leaders say this trend has grown significantly in recent times.
Bikas Chaudhary of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–7, Parsa, said that the active involvement of youth has helped revive Tharu culture, which had been overshadowed by modernity and external influences. He believes that youth participation plays a vital role in preserving traditional attire and cultural identity.
In the Tharu community, it is customary to sing Sakhiya songs and perform Maghauta dances during Maghi. Other traditional dances include Chokra Naach, which can be performed anytime; Jhumra Naach, danced with colorful cloths tied to the hands; and Badka Naach.
Chaudhary emphasized the need for training programs to educate the younger generation on how to preserve Tharu art and culture. He also stressed that provincial and local governments should support the conservation of traditional Tharu musical instruments.
