Information AboutTharu |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT THARU PEOPLE | |
| ethnic groups in nepal | |
| social groups of uttarakhand | |
| people from uttarakhand | |
| ethnic groups in india | |
| uttarakhand | |
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DESCRIPTION HISTORY LIFESTYLE Because the Tharu lived in isolation in Malaria l Swamp s until the recent use of DDT , they developed a style of decorating the walls, rice containers and other objects in their environment. The Tharu women transform outer walls and Verandah s of their homes into colorful paintings dedicated to Lakshmi , the Hindu goddess of prosperity and fertility. RELIGION The Tharu are adherents of Hinduism , but also held Islamic, Animist and Buddhist beliefs. Small numbers have converted to Buddhism in the recent years. Such syncretic practices have led Tharu to practice folk Hinduism. With the advent of religious freedom, others have converted to Christianity and there are a variety of congregations active in the various districts where Tharus are found. Traditional Tharu worship various gods in the form of animals such as dogs, crow, ox and cows. Such gods are seen in Hinduism . Every village has their own deity, commonly known as Bhuinyar. Tharu in East Nepal call their deity Gor-raja. Most Tharu households own a statue of a traditional god. Family members often offer animal's blood sacrifices to appease the god. Animals such as pigeons and chickens are used for sacrificial purposes. Milk and silk cloth are also used. Many Tharu would also use the blood of one of the male members in the family for such rituals. Such rituals are conducted through ceremonies, and superficial cuts are made forehead, arms, throat, legs, and/or chest. The gods are believed to have the ability to heal diseases and sickness. According to traditional legend, gods are given a ''bhakal'', a promise of something, on condition that the sickness is cured, in any events of misfortunes, plagues and horror dreams. A relative's death is an event of great significance among Tharu, and rituals conducted varies in accordance to regions. Tharu would approach shamans as doctors, known as Guruba. Such shamans use Buddhist medicines to cure illness. Shamans will also try to appease gods through incantations, beating drums and offering sacrifices. The Tharu believe sickness comes when the gods are displeased, and the demons are at work. Buddhist converts among the Tharu are found in Saptari, Siraha and Udaypur. Currently it is believed that there are more than one dozen of Buddhist monks and novices among the Tharus. Such practice was possibly based on the fact that they were inspired by the discovery of Lord Buddha as a member of the Tharu tribe. NOTES REFERENCES
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