Eleven artistes belonging to the Tharu community would showcase their dance skills in Mauritius during the six-day international Bhojpuri conference from October 30.

The artistes would stage the traditional Jhamta dance on November 3. An exhibition on Tharu civilisation and culture would also be organised in Mauritius, said the art, culture and youth affairs minister, Vinay Bihari.

The art and culture ministry of Mauritius had sent an invitation to the state government, requesting participation of Bihari artistes in the Bhojpuri conference. Confirming the development, Bihari said the artistes dedicated to the development of art and culture and who had done laudable work for the growth of Bhojpuri language in the state were invited to the five-day event. Taking note of it, the art, culture and youth affairs department decided to send a group of Tharu artistes from the state.

The Tharu tribe is known for its unique culture and civilisation. Their traditional Jhamta dance has earned accolades in the state. Over 7 lakh Tharus stay in three blocks in the hilly terrain of West Champaran.

The residents of Tharuhat region, mostly belonging to the Tharu community, are highly enthusiastic about the Mauritius event. They are hopeful of getting recognition outside the country, said the secretary of the Tharu Kala Sanskriti Evam Prashikshan Sansthan, Hemlal Prasad.

Besides Tharus from Bihar, delegations from across the world, including Thailand, South Africa and Australia, will participate in the international event in Mauritius.

Tharus are believed to be of Mongoloid origin because of their physical features. They speak in mixed Bhojpuri dialect.

Culture activist from Motihari Prasad Ratneshwar tried to prove through his paper in the 16th World Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences in the Yunnan province of China that the Tharu culture developed along the banks of Gandak river, which originates from Nepal and passes through India.