Tribal arts of Tharu set to get a face-lift

The tribal art of Tharus is set to get a face-lift in the upcoming tourist season of Dudhwa National Park, where their handicrafts will be showcased.
Dudhwa Park administration has decided to showcase the handicrafts of the Tharus of Dhudhwa from this season, commencing from November 15, Deputy director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Vinod Krishna Singh told PTI.
It has also been decided to highlight the homemade natural spices prepared by the Tharus, he said.
"The attempt would add to the attractions for domestic as well as foreign tourists who visit the park. The Tharus will be allowed to set up a stall in Dudhwa, where their handicraft as well as homemade natural spices would be showcased," he said.

Even before the establishment of the Park and the Tiger reserve the Tharus existed here.
Close to the very nature of this terai region, Tharus claim their origin to Maharana Pratap. They migrated here from the Thar area of Rajasthan following Mughal attacks.

Living in a very tough terrain of Dudhwa for hundreds of years, the Tharus have their own culture and lifestyle.
With fishing and small scale farming as their main occupation, Tharus have a family system in which women have prime roles to play.
In view of their deep integration with the forest life, the government also accorded a special status to the Tharus even after the establishment of the park.

After the park was established and tourists started pouring in Dudhwa, the Tharus added several attractions.
Their innovative handicrafts, baskets, wooden items, hand bags, incense sticks, among others have attracted tourists.
"Eco development committees and self-help groups have been formed to aid and assist the Tharus for developing their handicraft and other skills," Singh said.