Tharu Women Harvesting Moonj Grass

24-Mar-2026

This image shows two women from the Tharu tribe in Harnaa Tand village of West Champaran district, Bihar, harvesting moonj grass from a dense patch. They are using traditional sickles to cut the grass slightly above the root. Tharu women carefully select only those moonj plants that are fully mature and suitable for weaving. The harvesting of moonj grass is usually done after the monsoon season or at the beginning of winter. This step marks the first and most important stage in creating colorful moonj baskets and other handicraft products. The scene highlights the hard work of Tharu women and their role in sustaining this traditional cultural craft.