Tharu homestays in Kailali help preserve cultural identity and boost local tourism

Bhajani (Kailali): Tharu homestays have been started in Janaki Rural Municipality of Kailali with the aim of preserving and promoting the art, culture, and originality of the Tharu community. As modern influences grow and the younger generation shows less interest in traditional practices, homestays have been introduced to help protect and pass on the disappearing cultural heritage.

Jagatpur Homestay is currently operating in Janaki Rural Municipality-6. Dhankumari Chaudhary, chairperson of the Homestay Management Committee, said that homestays are running in seven houses in the area. According to her, around 200 tourists visit the homestay every month. She added that operators can prepare about 60 types of Tharu dishes and also present cultural programs reflecting Tharu identity to welcome guests.

The younger generation is actively involved in these presentations. Locals believe that involving both older and younger generations together will help transfer traditional culture to the next generation. Homestay operators also plan to take tourists on safaris in the community forest connected to the nearby Karnali River.

Another Tharu homestay has been established in Janaki Rural Municipality-5, Amauri. Tularam Chaudhary, chairman of the Amauri Homestay Management Committee, said the initiative aims to preserve disappearing Tharu dances and traditional products while also creating income opportunities.

He said that while dhakri is commonly recognized, hundreds of Tharu dishes exist, many of which can be prepared using ingredients like potatoes. He added that traditional dances and organic food experiences can help attract tourists.

According to him, many traditional Tharu dances have already disappeared, while a few such as Jhumra and Sakhiya are still practiced. He said homestays can help preserve these cultural traditions and pass them on to future generations, while also creating local employment opportunities and encouraging the use of indigenous crops.

The Tharu settlement of Baklauwa in Janaki Rural Municipality-9 is also being developed as a homestay destination, with homestays operating in eight houses. Aima Chaudhary, chairperson of the homestay management committee, said more than 200 tourists visit each month and enjoy Tharu dishes and cultural programs.

She said the main identity of Tharu homestays includes a homely environment, organic food, indigenous culture, and traditional hospitality. She added that homestays have become a source of income and local employment.

The rural municipality has prioritized local products and has been providing training and support to homestay operators. Ganesh Chaudhary, chairperson of the rural municipality, said efforts are ongoing to preserve disappearing art, culture, and local products while linking them with employment opportunities.

He added that homestays will also be promoted in other communities to preserve their unique identities. In the current fiscal year, the municipality has conducted training programs for preparing Tharu dishes and preserving traditional dances.

According to Krishnalal Chaudhary, general secretary of the Homestay and Housing Federation, more than seven thousand homestays are operating across the country. He said homestays have made a significant contribution to cultural identity and tourism promotion and called for greater state support.

He emphasized that homestay kitchens should remain organic and traditional, saying that success depends on offering services different from commercial establishments.