The cultural history of Nepal's Terai region starts with the nomadic Tharu people. This malaria resistant group made Chitwan their home for over 800 years. After a successful battle to eradicate the Terai of its mosquito population in the 1950's, immigrants began to take up residence to farm the fertile lowlands. The Bahuns, Chepangs, Chetris and Tamangs moved in from other areas of the country.

 

Today, you may see the current generation of these people making their life from mustard and rice crops. The past saw these people battle the wild animal population for land. When hunting parties arrived from the late 1700's to the 1950's, they were welcome to help remove the threat of animals known to attack people and destroy crops. Even today, the locals must help keep the animals at bay so they may make their living off the land.

A common cultural display of the local Tharu's is the Stick Dance. This dance, usually performed by young men, takes place in a circle. Sticks whirl and clash in a fantastic display of precision handling and timing. Some say the dance is part of a war culture, but others contend this is part of an effort to fend off and frighten wild animals away from valuable crops.

Now, conservation and tourism is beginning to show the local population the value of the national park and the animals that live there. In January of each year, the government sets aside 10 days when locals enter the park to collect the grass that is so plentiful there. The grass is used as fodder for animals, thatch for roofs and mixed with earth and dung to provide building material for homes.

As is the case for all of the Nepal, the local people are highly religious. Made of a mixture of Hindu, Buddhists and animism beliefs, these people follow several festivals from their tradition. If you time your visit just right you can witness and even take part in these colorful celebrations of worship.

Holi (March) is marked by water balloon and red 'tika' powder ambushes by the local youth. Jitia takes place between July and September. September and October are the time for Pitri Aunsi when the souls of the dead are remembered and said to stop in for a visit. Chad (October/November) corresponds to Nepal's biggest festivals Dasain/Tihar (Festival of Lights), but is specific to the Tharu people. Wedding celebrations may take place throughout the year except June through August.

Locals also respect the Ban Jhakri of the area. This is the local witch doctor or shaman of the jungle. Ban Devi is the goddess of the jungle and protector. The Ban Jhakri are known to ask her for protection from wild animals when entering the forest to collect herbal remedies.

Local traditional also includes the establishment of temples and shrines throughout villages, lodges, and in the jungle. Temples are often visited each day and offerings (puja) are given as thanks and to bring prosperity to the local people.

Gaida Wildlife Camp has one such temple at the main lodge and one jungle shrine at the camp. Before eating, but after bathing in the morning, each staff member visits the temple for tika. One designee takes offerings of tika, food, candles, and/or incense to begin each day with a blessing.

Gaida has been a part of Chitwan's environment longer than any other Nepali organization. As part of a strategic effort, only locals are hired as guides, cooks, ornithologists, naturalists, lodge maintenance crew, etc. A policy is to provide for education and medical expenditures for each staff member and their immediate family. Employment is provided for a single member only from any Terai family so that the entire community can benefit from your tourist dollar.