Food · Amaltari
Tharu feast and dance evening
An evening of Tharu food and dance in Amaltari: a thali of rice, lentils, greens, ghonghi snails or river fish and steamed dhikri, followed by the stick dance and women's dances in the village hall.
Tharu feasts centre on rice, but the side dishes make the meal. Expect lentils, seasonal greens, a sharp tomato or radish pickle, and a curry of chicken, pork, river fish or ghonghi snails. On feast days women steam dhikri, rice-flour dough rolled into long shapes, and serve it with pickle and curry. Meals are served on a large plate, and many people eat with the right hand, though hosts happily provide a spoon.
Your hosts explain which dishes belong to which festival, from Maghi in January to harvest feasts in autumn, and how the snails are gathered from flooded fields. Rice beer may be offered at some homes; it is fine to decline politely. Ask your hosts what they cook for festivals and what they eat on an ordinary day; the answers differ more than you might expect.
After dinner, walk to the village hall for the dance programme. The stick dance is the highlight: rows of young men strike sticks together in fast rhythm to drums and singing. Women's dances, in traditional dress and silver jewellery, follow. Visitors are often invited to join at the end. Tips for the dancers are welcome and support the village dance group.
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Questions
What is ghonghi?
Ghonghi are freshwater snails collected from rice fields and ponds in the Terai, a favourite Tharu food. They are cleaned, the shell tips cut, and cooked in a spiced curry with garlic and chilli. You eat them by sucking out the meat. They are most common after the monsoon.
Is the Tharu dance programme included in the homestay?
Usually yes; the evening cultural programme is part of the homestay package, though details change. If you stay at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, ask the lodge to arrange attendance or a separate performance. Check what is included when you book.
Can vegetarians join a Tharu feast?
Yes. Rice, lentils, greens, pickles and dhikri are vegetarian, and hosts are happy to skip meat if told in advance. Some dishes use ghee. Tell your host or guide about any allergies before the meal is prepared. Spice levels can be adjusted on request.
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