ICH Courier

n February 2025, four committed students— Gyan, Sapana, Sabita, and Jasmita, from the Craft and Design Department of Kathmandu University School of Arts began a journey that was both creative and ancestral. As part of their course module Independent Practice, they chose to research, recreate, and Deheri and Kothi traditional earthen grain storage structures native to their communities in Dang and Janakpur, Nepal.
These structures, often referred to as Bhakari, Dhukuti and other local names in Nepali, have served for generations as a secure method to store harvested grains, ensuring they remain preserved and usable for years to come. Therefore, their prototype became not only a part of their academic
endeavor but also a cultural statement. This initiative  is more than just an assignment; it’s a revival and preservation of intergenerational knowledge. It connects their creative side with memory, land, and sustainability through the use of natural materials like clay, wheat and rice husk, bamboo, and hay resources that have traditionally been part of the Tharu and Mithila rural landscapes.

Preserving Cultural Treasures: The Enduring Legacy of Deheri and Kothi
In the Tharu community, the structure is called Deheri, while in the Mithila community, it is known as Kothi.
Although they have different names, both communities share a common purpose and material palette in building these grain storage units. These structures served as vital tools in agrarian societies. Deheris and Kothis helped store freshly harvested

grains for years, protecting them from rodents, pests, and moisture. Natural limestone powder, clay layers, and elevated bases were their creative methods to prevent spoilage even during floods. The use of natural pigments from rice, leaves, and flowers not only helped preserve the grains but also added an aesthetic and cultural layer to these utilitarian objects. In the Tharu tradition, painting the Deheri with natural pigments was a ceremonial expression, though nowadays synthetic paints have unfortunately replaced the originals. Sometimes people also express different stories in Deheri painting in relief art forms. Moreover, it is painted to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday, known as ‘Ashtimki’. One remarkable cultural belief held by the Tharu people is that a Deheri should never be left empty, symbolizing abundance and the sacredness of harvest.

Decline and the Need for Preservation
Despite their cultural and environmental significance, Deheri and Kothi are quickly vanishing from rural homes. Plastic and aluminum containers have taken their place in many households, prioritizing convenience over tradition and ecological impact. Recognizing this crisis, Gyan, Sapana, Sabita, and Jasmita framed their Problem Statement as: “The tradition of making and using Deheri and Kothi is gradually disappearing as modern storage solutions become more popular. Efforts to preserve and make people aware of the importance of these products are essential for today’s need to reform the ideas of eco-friendly products.” They chose to experiment, , and reconstruct these structures, not just at a life-sized scale but also in miniature forms that can be easily displayed or even monetized while preserving this traditional skill.

A student team from two distinct cultures—Tharu and Madhesi (Mithila) came together, bonded by shared ancestral wisdom and similar agrarian practices. Through their self-realization, they felt a strong urge to research and Deheri and Kothi, not just as traditional grain storage systems, but as symbols of sustainable living rooted in the earth. In a time when modern methods often overshadow indigenous knowledge, their effort stands as a meaningful attempt to preserve age-old craft practices that reflect environmental harmony, and the resilience of community life.
The Process: From Earth to Artifact The process of crafting Deheri and Kothi traditional grain storage is a meticulous journey that begins with gathering sustainable materials. Dry and wet clay, along with clay slip, form the base, mixed with wheat husk, paral (hay), and ash to enhance durability and insulation. Water is added to achieve the right consistency, and a bamboo frame shapes the structure of the Kothi and clay shapes the Deheri. Colors like natural sindur pigment and acrylic color add vibrancy, while Fevicol was used to glue the prototype’s roof. Tools such as scissors, knives, buckets, paintbrushes, scales, and clippers guide the

hands that shape and decorate these vital artifacts of cultural heritage. Each component reflects an age-old understanding of nature and utility. For instance, ash and lime help repel pests, while clay’s thermal insulation maintains grain quality. The entire process, when undertaken by hand, becomes a practice in mindfulness, patience, and ecological wisdom. The Academic-Cultural Bridge Academia today is emerging as a powerful platform for cultural preservation, where these students are not only learners but also revivalists of their indigenous skills and knowledge. Through their dedicated efforts, traditional crafts like Deheri and Kothi once confined to the memory of village homes and passed down silently to generations are being reintroduced into public consciousness. By bridging classroom learning with lived community heritage, these students are validating and ing sustainable grain storage practices that survived for generations. Their work shows that universities are not just places for learning ideas, but also places where cultural traditions can be turned into useful skills for today and the future. Therefore, they are bringing back forgotten knowledge

and giving value to community skills. What was once ignored is now seen as an important and respected way to live sustainably. This effort is also changing how we see education not just as learning from books, but as a duty to protect, share, and pass on the skills and wisdom found in local communities. Why Deheri and Kothi Still Matter Deheri and Kothi still hold relevance today due to their eco-friendly nature, being crafted entirely from natural materials like clay, husk, and hay. Their durability makes them long-lasting when properly maintained, offering a sustainable alternative to modern plastic or metal containers. Functionally, they are highly effective in protecting grains from pests, moisture, and rodents, making them ideal for rural food storage. Beyond practicality, these structures are deeply embedded in cultural traditions, often linked to rituals, harvest celebrations, and seasonal rhythms. Their reconstructable design also ensures they can be easily repaired

or rebuilt, allowing the wisdom of the past to adapt to present needs. A Personal Reflection As someone who values intergenerational knowledge and nature-based living, I found this student-led initiative deeply moving. I remember seeing massive Deheris made of clay and bamboo in Dang and other plain parts of Nepal, used not only for grain storage but also for room dividers, an ingenious dual purpose. Witnessing young students reconnect with such practices and reimagine them through a modern lens, brings joy and hope. Their effort is a testament to legacy, not just preserving a craft, but reminding us all that innovation doesn’t always
mean creating something new. Sometimes, it means rediscovering the wisdom we already have, hidden in the clay of our lands and the stories of our grandparents.