UP govt launches scheme for Tharu tribe

 Uttar Pradesh government has recently launched a scheme to take the unique culture of the Tharu tribes all over the world. The intention of the scheme is to put these tribal villages on tourism map. This will create jobs and bring economic Independence to the tribal population in the region.

UP state govt is planning to connect the villages of the Tharu tribals located on the International border of Nepal. It is a Homestay scheme under which the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department will offer tourists an experience of living in the natural habitat of Tharu tribals. These huts are made of grass collected from the forest. Uttar Pradesh Forest Department will be training the tribals to communicate with the tourists. They will also encourage the tribals to acquaint with aspects of cleanliness and safety.

The Tharu tribals shall also charge the tourists for their home cooked meals and accommodation. The participation of both domestic and international tourists are expected under the scheme. Several tourists are interested to obtain the taste of tribal culture by staying with them, observing their food habits, lifestyle and attire. The Tharu tribe belongs to the lowlands located in the Shivalik or the lower Himalayas. Most of these people are forest dwellers practicing agriculture. The word Tharu means Followers of Theravada Buddhism. They are distributed both in Nepal and India. In India they are mostly distributed in Bihar, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2011 census, the total Scheduled tribe Population of Uttar Pradesh was 11 lakhs, which is expected to have increased to 20 lakhs now.