Dang, Nepal — Deep in the Terai lowlands of Nepal, a fragrant tradition blooms each spring. The Mahuwa tree (Madhuca longifolia), a hardy and evergreen native species, showers the forest floor with clusters of white, nectar-rich flowers that the Tharu people have cherished for centuries.
In the heart of Dang district, Mahuwa Wines and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. recently completed a monumental effort — the planting of 1,000 Mahuwa saplings as part of their “Mahuwa Mission 2024”. The project not only revived a crucial ecological species but also breathed life into a cultural and spiritual legacy.
The Tharu community, indigenous to the Terai, has long depended on the Mahuwa flower. Not just for its intoxicating aroma and potential as a beverage, but for its role in medicine, biodiversity, and cultural rituals.
“The Mahuwa is not just a tree to us. It’s our history, our medicine, and our wine,” says Sandesh Chaudhary, Director of Mahuwa Wines and a leading advocate for sustainable indigenous practices.
Local women in the Ambeshwori Mahila Community Forest, led by Bimala Sharma, have taken charge of nurturing these new saplings. The forest is managed by 80 households—an outstanding model of female-led environmental management. Together, they not only protect the saplings but also engage in traditional roles of flower harvesting, fermentation, and ceremonial brewing.
The next phase of the project, Mahuwa Mission 2025, aims to plant 2,000 more trees, ensuring the legacy continues for future generations.