Kathmandu, 3 Jan: All preparations have been completed for the one-day Magh Cultural Festival–2082 (Tharu Sambat 2649), which is set to be organized on Saturday, Poush 19, by the Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha, Dang.
Providing information about the preparations during a press conference, Ashok Chaudhary, Coordinator of the Main Organizing Committee and President of the Sabha, stated that the festival will be held at the premises of the District Coordination Committee in Ghorahi.
He said that the festival is being organized with the objective of preserving and promoting the indigenous art, culture, attire, and traditions of the Tharu community. The festival will feature more than seven dozen cultural performances, including Maghauta dance, Chokra, Hurdungya, Dhumri, and other traditional presentations. National and local Tharu artists will also present attractive performances, he added.
The festival is being organized under the main slogan:
“Economic awakening and cultural transformation are our campaign; our contribution is prosperity with social justice.”
Before the formal inauguration, a procession through the main market areas of Ghorahi has been scheduled. The procession will showcase traditional Tharu costumes and cultural tableaux.
President Chaudhary urged members of the Tharu community to participate with traditional attire and identity-reflecting items such as Dhokya, Delwa, Bhauka, Bhauki, ploughs, yokes, and other handicraft materials. The festival will also feature the sale and distribution of traditional Tharu foods, including snails (Ghonghi), fish, crabs, Dhikri, Anadi bread, Anadi rice, Anadi soup, potato pickle, dried fish, and more. In addition, there will be an exhibition and sale of books related to Tharu history, language, literature, and culture.
Similarly, arrangements have been made for the exhibition and sale of traditional Tharu handicrafts such as Delya, Gundri, Dhokya, Dhakli, Dwala, Bhauka, Bhauki, Berra, among others. On the occasion of the festival, leading figures and cultural experts who have made significant contributions to the Tharu language, art, and culture will be honored.
Inauguration by the Chief Minister
According to Coordinator Chaudhary, the festival will be inaugurated by Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya. The event will be attended by former Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, former Member of Parliament Shanta Chaudhary, Mayor of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City Narulal Chaudhary, chiefs and deputy chiefs of local governments, and prominent personalities from the Tharu community.
President Chaudhary has called on the entire Tharu community to participate in the festival to ensure unity and collective involvement.
