Workshop on Tharu artwork urges revival of indigenous mural

Kathmandu, Aug 10: A daylong workshop on Tharu Astimki Artwork, jointly conducted by the Agrasan Tharu Mahila Samaj, Kathmandu and the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), displayed the indigenous painting skills of the Tharu community and pointed out the urgency of reviving mural.

The workshop was organised on the occasion of the International Day of the Indigenous Peoples to highlight the importance of Astimki artwork and pass on this ritual painting tradition to the younger generation. Inaugurating the workshop, the Chancellor of NAFA, Naradmani Hartamchhali, expressed his view that tribal art forms, such as Astimki, as well as other Nepali cultural identities, have the potential to gain international recognition.

He said, “Such initiative fosters unity and goodwill as well as raises awareness. The question of ‘who are we’ could be addressed through the understanding of our cultures.” The Astimki is the unique identity of the Tharu community, and its preservation and promotion significantly contribute to national unity, he argued.

Similarly, Samaj’s Vice-Chairperson Kiran Chaudhary mentioned that the workshop was organised to emphasise the importance of Astimki artwork and impart the knowledge on it to the new generation. Presenting a working paper during the workshop, Satrughan Chaudhary, a researcher of Tharu culture, described Astimki artwork not just as a visual art but something that also involved an element of performance.

He explained that drawings made in the Astimki art and songs sung by the Tharu community express the Tharu community’s philosophy of life. He, however, expressed concern that this culturally significant artwork was gradually fading due to the influence of modernization and information technology in recent times.

The ritualistic painting is drawn on the walls during the Astimki festival observed on Shree Krishna Janmastami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. There were over 50 participants in the workshop. Painters Bishnu Chaudhary and Balaram Chaudhary trained the participants on the Astimki artwork.