Maithali Art in Nepal

This cultural experience takes you into an ancient tradition born in the Mithila region, where women have told stories of gods, nature, and daily life through bold lines and natural colors for centuries. More than art, Maithali painting is a living heritage that empowers local women and keeps a rich cultural identity alive perfect for travelers seeking authentic, meaningful connections.

Itinerary

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Morning Chat. Begin your day with a cup of local tea. Your guide will tell you about the history of Maithali art. They will explain why the places you will visit are important.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit the Janaki Mandir. Go to the sacred Janaki Mandir. This temple honors the goddess Sita. The temple is beautiful. Look closely at the areas around it. You can often see art and traditions that show up in Maithali paintings.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Hands-On Painting Workshop. Go to the Janakpur Women's Development Center (JWDC). This group works hard to protect and share Maithali art. Here, you will meet local female artists. They will teach you how to make your own painting. You will learn the old skills and what the symbols mean. You will also hear their personal stories. This is a great way to learn about the culture.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Eat a Maithili Lunch. Have a real Maithili lunch at a restaurant run by local people. The food is as rich and good as the art. It has special dishes that are all vegetarian.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: See Art in a Village. Take a walk with your guide through a village nearby. This is where you will see Maithali art as it was first used. You will see it on the walls of homes. See how people use art in their daily lives. You can witness living traditions up close.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Go to a Local Art Gallery. Look around a local art gallery. You can see how the art form has changed over time. You will see old paper paintings and new ones on canvas. This is a good place to buy real art from the community.

5:00 PM and later: Free Time. The rest of the evening is yours. You can go back to the busy market near the temple. Or you can just relax.