Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Issue 3 | Page 63

Tharu Community Homestay by Sudan Budhathoki Fishing in the river with nets. Photo: Sudan Budhathoki. Typical village house. Photo: Sudan Budhathoki. Tourism is a human activity. The world often sees it just as visiting somewhere, or travelling, but tourism should also be a responsible industry that helps to generate diverse economic opportunities and improve livelihoods in poor communities. Tourism is one of the very biggest industries in the world. However, it can be very fickle, depending upon many external factors like the economy and political situation. It also has its threats. It can be blamed for destroying local culture, tradition, and the environment. In order to preserve indigenous culture, it is crucial to involve locals in order to bring positive impacts of tourism. The Tharu Community Homestay has brought hope for the local people to earn a supplementary income to support their poor livelihoods, as fishermen and farmers. Their handicrafts are displayed in the Homestay, generating some extra income. Traditionally farmers and fishermen, Tharu people are still quite a way behind in the race for development. But the promoters of the Tharu Homestay ensure that the local community shall receive every possible benefits from the entire revenue that they would be able to generate, not just amount of share or percentage, like in other projects. The Tharu Community Homestay is a commercial project based in Chitwan that is entirely based on the local community. The Homestay does not only provide local people with essential job opportunities, but it also involves them in welcoming and interacting with every guest who arrives. One of the natives of Nepal, Tharu Community Homestay as a project provides a way for Tharu people to rub their shoulders with western culture, and at the same time they can demonstrate their Tharu culture and lifestyle. Tharu women from the entire community come together to welcome guests of their village, offering them with home made fruit juice (usually a glass of mango juice). Later, villagers guide them to their respective rooms. The Homestay offers overnight stays both in newly, but traditionally constructed rooms, and in a very typical Tharu house. Once the guests have had a chance to freshen up after their journey, they will be entertained by a cultural dance performance. Locals farming in the fields. Photo: Sudan Budhathoki. Getting away from the rush of the outside world, guests are able to relax and enjoy the relaxed pace of village life. The Homestay offers many activities such as cooking, fishing, dancing and just hanging out with the locals. Since the village is by the river, it is possible to observe the fishermen who still practice their time honored methods of fishing. The Homestay Project has on hand an experienced guide for anyone who wants to venture into jungle for a walk to the Bis Hajari Taal (Twenty Thousand Lake). Bicycles are also available for those who would rather cycle to the lake. Tharu Cultural Dance. Photo: Sudan Budhathoki. ROYAL www.royalmt.com.np 63