Bharatpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 22, Patihani, successfully organized a “Special Cultural Program for the Preservation and Promotion of Tharu Culture” to protect and promote the rich indigenous heritage of the Tharu community.
The event was organized by Sahitya Sangam Chitwan in collaboration with the Tharu Welfare Society Area No. 5. The program was supported by the Bagmati Province Government’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with the Tourism Office in Sauraha. The event attracted a large gathering of artists, cultural enthusiasts, community leaders, and local residents.
One of the major highlights of the event was a competitive cultural showcase featuring eleven local Tharu cultural groups. The participants revived and presented traditional and endangered art forms, including Ghaila Nach, Lathinach, Jhumri, Biruhani, Thekara, Badawa, Mangar, Jhamta, Emosa, Jeetwahan, and Dafunach.
Following a rigorous evaluation by judges Chandramani Mahato, Bhajumanram Mahato, and Santaram Mahato, the Mangar-Kumbhiya group secured first place and received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. The Jhumri-Patihani Bazaar group claimed second place with a prize of Rs. 7,000, while the Viruhani-Pullar group finished third and received Rs. 5,000. The remaining seven participating groups were each awarded Rs. 3,000 along with certificates of appreciation.
The prizes were jointly distributed by Ward Chairman Bishnu Raj Mahato, Sahitya Sangam Chairman Shashikiran Regmi, and program coordinator Prakash Chapagain.
Addressing the audience, Ward Chairman Mahato highlighted the deep historical and cultural significance of the Tharu community. Local resident Hemraj Mahato also emphasized the urgent need to preserve traditions that are gradually fading away.
Program coordinator Prakash Chapagain expressed confidence that such initiatives would play an important role in cultural revival while also contributing to the development of local tourism.
Distinguished guests, including Chief of the Tourism Office in Sauraha Prem Dhakal, President of the Mahanagar Pragya Pratishthan Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Khanal, and senior writer Kedarnath Khanal, praised the initiative. In their speeches, they emphasized that preserving Tharu art and culture is a shared responsibility of both the government and local communities.
The event served as both a celebration of Tharu heritage and a strong call for cultural preservation, highlighting the important role local communities play in maintaining the cultural identity of Chitwan. The program was formally coordinated by Tharu Welfare Society President Ram Narayan Mahato.
