Bardiya National Park is home to the Tharu people, one of the indigenous communities of Nepal, who have a rich cultural heritage and unique way of life. The Tharu people in Bardiya have distinct cultural practices and traditions that reflect their deep connection with nature and their spiritual beliefs.
One of the unique aspects of Tharu culture in Bardiya is their traditional house construction. The Tharu people in this region build their houses using mud, bamboo, and thatch. Their houses have a distinctive design, with a sloping roof made of bamboo thatch, which helps to keep the house cool during the hot summer months. The Tharu houses are also elevated on bamboo stilts, which protects them from floods during the monsoon season.
The Tharu people in Bardiya also have a unique cuisine, which reflects their lifestyle and the natural resources available in the region. Their traditional dishes include "dhikri," a type of dumpling made of rice flour and served with spicy tomato sauce, and "mari," a dish made of lentils and seasonal vegetables. The Tharu people also use several local herbs and spices in their cooking, which have medicinal properties and add a unique flavor to their dishes.
The traditional attire of the Tharu people in Bardiya is also distinct. Women wear a long skirt called "guniu" and a short-sleeved blouse called "fota," which are decorated with intricate embroidery and mirrors. Men wear a loose shirt called "doba" and pants called "patuka," both made of cotton fabric. The Tharu people also wear unique jewelry made from silver, brass, and cowrie shells.
In addition to their house construction, cuisine, attire, and jewelry, the Tharu people in Bardiya have a deep understanding of traditional medicinal practices. They use several local plants and herbs to treat various ailments and have a rich knowledge of the natural environment and its healing properties. Tourists can visit Tharu villages in Bardiya to learn about these traditional healing practices and even try some remedies themselves.
Overall, the Tharu people in Bardiya National Park have a unique culture and traditions that reflect their deep connection with nature and their spiritual beliefs. Their traditional house construction, cuisine, attire, jewelry, and medicinal practices offer tourists a fascinating insight into the Tharu way of life in this particular region.