Freed kamaiya run homestays in far west

• Rajendra Prasad Paneru

Kanchanpur. Lately, the daily routine of freed Kamaiya women (freed bonded laborers) of Krishnapur Municipality-2 has changed.

In the past, they used to run their families on wages, but when guests started coming to their homes, not only did they become restless, but life also became comfortable. Vijaysal Community Homestay has been established by including the freed Kamaiya families in Vani.

The homestay business, which was closed due to the Corona epidemic, has started to revive with the arrival of visitors these days.

A team of 5 to 10 people has started arriving at the homestays as guests daily after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided. Vispati Chaudhary, who is involved in the homestay business, said that more of domestic tourists are coming to the homestays.

Chaudhary says that the guests are enticed by the local chicken meat as it is cooked in a traditional manner. Rs 350 is charged for the dish comprising of local chicken, rice, and dal, while Rs 150 is charged for plain food without meat.

Guests staying at the homestays are charged Rs. 500 in addition to the food. Arrangements have been made to provide a homely environment and services for the guests.

“We have been showing dances for a fee of Rs 3,000 from the team of guests who like to watch dances like Sakhiya, Chokra, Lathi, Jhumra, Maghautal, and others that reflect the cultural significance of the Tharu community,” said Chaudhary.