




The writers are Krishna Raj Sarbahari, Shanti Chaudhary and Chhabilal Kopila while the illustrators are Bandana Tulachan, Mitthu Tharu, Shraddha Shrestha, Suman Maharjan, Ubahang Nembang and Umesh Chaudhary. The books are available to read for free online via Let’s Read’s platform.
“The residency in Dang was an opportunity for the illustrators to use their difference senses and collect references to create visual stories that weave together with the words,” explains Sharareh Bajracharya, chairperson of Srijanalaya.
While Dr Krishna Raj Sarbahari and Chhabilal Kopila are from Dang and writers in Dangaura Tharu, Shanti Chaudhary is from Bara and writes in Bara Jilla Tharu; all writers wrote in their native language and in Nepali. The six Tharu books are titled Gidrak Bhoj, Bhukali, Khuttrukya, Lad
Dr Krishna Raj Sarbahari, who is already a well-known writer and journalist, is also a well-known children’s book author and says that the six new books are a literary milestone for Tharu literature, not just for children but for adults as well, and not just for Tharus but for Nepal, too.
“Poems written in Tharu languages are relatively popular, but I believe these children’s books will contribute immensely to conserve our language and culture, and catch Tharu children young to be proud of their language,” says Sarbahari.


One of the most historic entries in this Tharu children’s picture book was of illustrator Mitthu Tharu, a contemporary art student from Lalitkala Campus who collaborated with Chhabilal Kopila for the story Kailari.
Mitthu Tharu used modern art as well as the traditional Tharu art, ashtimki, for the book, and says, “The whole journey was so much fun, learning work from one another. I got to understand the writers’ perspectives and I could enhance that through my art.”
The Tharu books will launched at a virtual event on 30 May, followed by a week-long online literary festival called Kailari to Bara to introduce books in four languages, Bara Jilla tharu, Dangaura Tharu, Nepali and English. Children and parents can join read alouds by the authors, intimate conversations with the illustrators and writers via Facebook live.
“It’s an exciting time for Nepali children’s literature. We want to hear back from our readers as we continue to create better books. We can’t wait for you to encounter all the amazing characters in these stories. Enough of Ram, Shyam and Sita, it’s time for the Bhukhalis and Mangalawas of the world to come forth,” says Muna Gurung, who project managed the creation of the books.
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