Ethnic THARU wear

Nepal is a diverse country with varied landscapes and indigenous communities. Among the indigenous group the THARU community has its own traditional costumes and jewels. Lets see what their communities like to wear on a day to day basis.

The major costumes of a THARU man consists of a Mardani (dhoti) and Phad (Kachhad- a piece of cloth worn to cover the lower part of the body as in the picture). THARU people are generally engaged in agriculture and live in the Terai (plains) regions of the country. It is due to the nature of their occupations and climate that THARU people prefer wearing short and thin cloths, as they are light and comfortable. While working in the field, the THARU men generally carry their hats made up from bamboo and dried leaves, "Kodalo" (spade) to plough the field, tobacco and a sickle fixed at their waist with a string. THARU men are laborious and appear tough and fit.

However the costumes and ornaments worn by THARU women are completely unique compared to other tribes. Cholia (Choli) is worn as a top, Nahagi is a white cloth dress and Uporona is the cloth worn around the chest area are the mojor attires worn by the THARU community women. During special occassions and festival different jewels made from gold and silver are worn on various parts of the body. The different kinds of ornaments worn by THARU women are "Nathiya" on the nose, "Kanphul" in the ear, "Hansuli" and "Kanthi" on the neck, "Matha" on the wrist, "Tadia" on the elbow,"Tikuli" on the forehead and "Upairi" on their feet. THARU women also love to have Godana- a tattoo art made on various parts of their body.

Hope this is helpful for you all. 

Info courtesy: THARU MESUEM, CHITWAN.

CHAITRA

The Ghode Jatra, festival of horse parade falls on this month. It is celebrated in joint venture from Nepal army and police with different horse shows, bicycles show and acrobatics. Culturally all the idols of Lumadi, Bhadrakali, Kankeshwori and Bhairav are brought to Ason chowk during the daytime and taken to Tundikhel during the evening. This is also the day when all these deities meet (as they are usually scattered around the different areas). Newar communities celebrate Paanchare a 3 day celebration where guests are invited to their homes for celebrations and get-together.  On the first day people clean their surroundings as a tribute to lord Lukumahadev, Khats (chariots ) are dashed among each other as to mark the meeting of the sisters near the Annapurna temple. The second day is the real Ghode Jatra and people have guests coming together at home on this day and this is also a public holiday where the event gathers huge crowd all over from Nepal to watch the spectacle (Not to forget the picture in MX paper Australia). This continues till the third day which also includes cleaning of the sewage to keep oneself free from any upcoming summer diseases. 

Now the main story behind Ghode Jatra is that it is celebrated to mark the win on demon Tundi, who had distressed the people living in Kathmandu. When he died people danced on his body with horses. Hence it is believed that the tapping of the horses keeps the spirits of the demon well below the ground. 

Chite Dashin is also celebrated on this month. It is usually celebrated as a two day event first being the Ramnawami where people fast and visit temples and the second being the dashami. It has same importance as the Dashin festival as it also marks the win of good over evil (in this case being win of lord Ram over Ravan). People get-together, have delicacies, foods and have fun.

Seto Machindranath Rath Yatra also falls in this month. Setomachindranath idol is kept in a chariot and is pulled by people to various locations. The idol is also taken to its mother's place in Gabahal where it circles the temple three times. People come to worship the Mother and Son at this yearly event and lite 108 diyos (lamps).