Bhada, Nepal – The Terai region which is very low and has the Himalayas and their crowded trails and the tourist bustle of Kathmandu far away from it is very rich in wild life, sacred heritage, and growing homestay culture. To the local people, the coming of the guest is not just tradition but a daily life activity – the local saying goes “The guest is god”.
In Bhada hidden away in a village close to Nepal’s southern border with India, Shyam Chaudhary showed the visitors the inside of her kitchen which was made of adobe and was a mixture of timber, mud, paddy stalks, and goat hair. She was wearing a colorful sari decorated with tassels, guiding the guests in making a hot and sweet pickle of onion, chilies, and star fruit fried with sugar, coriander, and cumin. Later, she added that she would be baking rat – a favorite of the Tharu tribe which was the day’s festival feast.
The Terai lowland area depicts a different aspect of Nepal that is not overrun with hikers to the Himalayas. There are resort parks teeming with animals, huge plantations, and Lumbini – the place where Buddha was born and one of the top global pilgrimage sites. Furthermore, it is the home of the Tharu tribe, who are known for their colorful culture and spicy cuisine, which still play an important role in the region’s identity.
The Community Homestay Network invites tourists to stay in a family-based arrangement like that of Chaudhary’s, where they will be able to feel the authentic rural life of the area while also giving a little support to the local economy. The opportunity to see and experience a non-touristic place is the main reason why it is attractive for visitors; while for hosts, it is a means to achieve financial stability and also an opportunity to have a cultural exchange.
When the cooking was done the sound of madal drums could be heard from a distance over the fields. Farmers set up a high bamboo pole with rope and made a loud announcement marking the beginning of the festivities. The visitors and the local people came together and shared their home-cooked food, thus reinforcing the feeling of community in the Terai.
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