Traditional Drying Process of Moonj Grass by the Tharu Tribe

24-Mar-2026

This image illustrates the traditional process of drying moonj grass practiced by the Tharu tribe in Harnaa Tand village of West Champaran district, Bihar. The moonj grass is tied into small bundles and arranged in a cone or pyramid-like structure so that air and mild light can reach every fiber evenly, allowing the grass to dry properly. The grass is usually dried under the shade of trees because strong sunlight can make the fibers hard and brittle, which may cause them to break during weaving. This careful and time-consuming process requires artisans to monitor the bundles and adjust their positions periodically. The scene highlights the traditional knowledge and craftsmanship involved in the Tharu community’s moonj handicraft practices.