# The Tharu People: Culture of Nepal's Plains

_Published 10 June 2026_

In the plains around Chitwan and Bardia live the **Tharu**, one of Nepal's largest indigenous groups, with a culture shaped by the forests and rivers of the Terai.

**Quick answer:** the Tharu are indigenous to the **Terai** plains along Nepal's southern border. Visitors to Chitwan and Bardia can see **Tharu villages** of mud-plastered houses decorated with paintings, watch the **stick dance**, try Tharu food, and stay in **community homestays**. Their biggest festival is **Maghi** in mid-January.

## Traditions

- **Houses:** mud and wood houses, often decorated with painted designs.
- **Stick dance:** a lively dance with sticks, performed in Sauraha and villages.
- **Maghi:** the Tharu new year in mid-January, with feasts and dancing.
- **Food:** fish, snails, rice dishes and dhikri (steamed rice-flour dumplings).

## Where to experience Tharu culture

- Village walks and cultural shows in Sauraha, Chitwan.
- Homestays near Chitwan and Bardia.

See [things to do in Chitwan](/blog/things-to-do-in-chitwan), [village homestays](/accommodation/village-homestays-in-nepal) and our [Chitwan safari](/chitwan-jungle-safari).

## Frequently asked questions
### Who are the Tharu?
Indigenous people of Nepal's Terai plains.

### What is the Tharu stick dance?
A traditional dance performed with sticks.

### What is Maghi?
The Tharu new year festival in mid-January.

### Can I stay with a Tharu family?
Yes, in homestays near Chitwan and Bardia.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/tharu-culture-guide