Tharu dance enlivens Sauraha tourism (photos)
Around 17–18 years ago, the Tharu community institutionalized their cultural promotion by establishing the Tharu Culture Center.
KATHMANDU: Sauraha, widely known as Nepal’s gateway to wildlife tourism, has also established itself as a vibrant hub of Tharu culture, drawing both domestic and international visitors eager to experience indigenous traditions.
The arrival of foreign tourists in Sauraha around 53–54 years ago marked the beginning of cultural tourism in the area.
As visitors increased, members of the local Tharu community began performing traditional dances in hotels, introducing tourists to their unique cultural heritage.
This initiative gradually boosted interest among travelers seeking to understand Tharu traditions alongside wildlife experiences.
Around 17–18 years ago, the Tharu community institutionalized their cultural promotion by establishing the Tharu Culture Center.
Since then, traditional Tharu dances have been performed in an organized manner, helping to preserve and showcase the community’s heritage on a larger platform. Today, most hotels in Sauraha regularly host Tharu dance performances for guests.
Ramesh Silwal, operator of Hotel Vista, says nearly 50 percent of Sauraha’s tourism activities are directly linked to Tharu culture.
“Tourists come here not only for wildlife but equally to enjoy Tharu traditions, lifestyle, and dances,” he said.
Visitors to Sauraha primarily engage in activities such as elephant safaris, jeep safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, and wildlife observation.
Rare species including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, elephant, spotted deer, gaur, and bears remain major attractions. However, cultural experiences—especially Tharu dance performances—have become an equally compelling part of the tourist experience.
Group performances by Tharu youths feature traditional dances such as Jhamta, Thekara, Lauro, and Jhumra Damphu dances.
Performed in authentic indigenous attire, these cultural presentations captivate audiences and offer an immersive glimpse into Tharu identity and heritage.
According to Silwal, Sauraha currently hosts around 110 well-equipped hotels and more than 60 restaurants, with accommodation capacity for approximately 3,000 tourists per day.
Photos:
-Saroj Basnet
