Happiness Blossoms in the Dhakiya (Photo story)

Nirmaya Tharu, a housewife from Tigra village in Rajapur Municipality, Bardiya, is an ordinary woman. Women like Nirmaya from Tigra, Rajapur Municipality-3, have now started earning money alongside household chores. The child Nirmaya is carrying is her grandson (picture).

She has three sons, and her sons go out to earn money, while her back becomes a warm embrace for her grandson. However, Nirmaya doesn’t just spend her time playing with her grandchildren. Instead, she works with other women like her, using plants that grow in her own fields and yard to weave dhakias. The dhakiya, which reflects the Tharu culture, has become a commonly used item. These handwoven dhakias, which are used for decoration and to store various items, have now become a commercial product.

In the past, the Tharu community used to weave these dhakias at home and use them only for their own households. They were used to store items and send koseli (gifts) to married girls. But now, Nirmaya’s traditional skill has started selling in the market. “We have been weaving these for a long time,” says Nirmaya, “but now we make them to sell in the market.” This has not only preserved the culture and tradition of the Tharu community but has also become a source of additional income for women.

Before, Nirmaya used to ask her husband for money to buy the bangles she needed, but now, she doesn’t need to do that anymore. Thanks to this traditionally learned skill, Nirmaya has become financially independent. “Now I don’t need to ask my husband for money to buy chura-tiki (bangles); instead, I give it to him. I can knit dhakias while playing with my grandchildren and earn money by selling them,” says Nirmaya. Now, she is so confident that her income has helped her contribute to household expenses.

Previously, they used to stay at home; now, they earn money by selling their products. Dukhani Tharu, another woman from the same village, is 50 years old and weaves dhakias in her spare time after finishing her household chores. With the financial support of WWF, Mukt Kamaiya Mahila Vikas Manch trained many women, including Nirmaya and Dukhani, in making modern dhakias. As a result, these women are now able to produce dhakias suitable for the market.

The production of dhakias does not require significant investment or much time. Nirmaya and Dukhani make use of their free time after completing household tasks to earn money. With the money they earn, they can buy the things they need and contribute significantly to household expenses. “I have even bought silver for my daughter-in-law,” says Dukhani. This reflects the happiness and satisfaction of women in the village of Rajapur Municipality.