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
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